Disregarding Reality

Chapter One

"Does anyone know what this potion is?" Snape's voice pierced the dungeon.

Hermione's hand shot up as usual. Snape, ignoring her, asked again.

"Anybody?"

With Hermione's hand still in the air, Snape turned around to face the class, the day's notes scribbled on the blackboard behind him.

"Granger, please stop being a know-it-all and put your hand down!" jeered Snape.

"Leave her alone," said Harry. "You could at least let her answer the question since no one else seems to know."

"Be quiet, Potter, or I will be forced to have to give you a detention - and believe me, spending three hours with you would be a detention for me as well."

Harry glared at Snape and turned away. "This is ridiculous," whispered Harry to Ron.

"Malfoy! Tell me what this potion is," demanded Snape.

"I don't know," said Malfoy lazily.

"This is pathetic; obviously no one has read the text book or has taken any initiative to go ahead in the chapter. Fine, Granger, go ahead and enlighten us," said Snape annoyingly.

"It is polyjuice potion sir. It allows someone to transform into someone else."

"A textbook answer nonetheless," Snape jeered.

And, with that, the bell rang, signaling the end of the class.

"Two rolls of parchment on the making of polyjuice potion on my desk tomorrow," called Snape as the students began packing their bags. "Granger, stay back for a minute."

"See you in the common room," said Hermione to Harry and Ron.

The classroom was empty when Snape finally said, "Have a seat here Granger," pointing to a chair in front of his desk. Snape stared at her for what seemed like forever until finally Hermione broke the silence.

"If this about me being a know-it-all, please, save your energy, I'll never raise my hand again," Hermione said as she felt anger boiling in her blood.

"No, Granger, this is not about that, but I will hold you to that, and please, there is no reason to get emotional with me. Actually, I wanted to ask you something."

Hermione looked at him with a confused look on her face.

"I know this is the last thing you think that I'd ask you, but, your marks have gone down significantly and you are not doing your assignments to the best of your ability. All I can say is that your class participation is still the same. Is something troubling you?"

Hermione just stared at him. This was not the Serveus Snape that she knew, and how did he figure out something was wrong?

"I'd rather not talk about it," said Hermione, quickly getting up and heading toward the door.

"Granger, wait."

Hermione turned around just as she got to the door.

"I understand that I may not be the person you wish to discuss this with, but remember this, there are different qualities of me that most people don't see. If you ever want to talk, I'm always here."

"Um, thank you professor. Give me some time and I might," Hermione said quietly.

She exited the classroom and headed back to the common room.