Author's note: "For the Love of Hufflepuff" is just for fun and is not
intended to infringe upon any copyright owned by J. K. Rowling, Scholastic
Press or Warner Brothers Pictures. Original story and characters ©
Christina Teresa, 2001. Rated PG-13 for language, violence and sexuality.
Many thanks to my favorite Texans, Yolanda and Rick, for all their help
(Yo, I couldn't have done it without you!). Comments are encouraged and
appreciated: csteresa@yahoo.com
***
Prologue
Fifth-year Slytherin, Severus Snape, waited as his Head of House and
Defense Against the Dark Arts instructor, Professor Rupert Balin, paced
the length of his office and back.
Over the last five years, Severus had been in his office half a dozen
times, but he never ceased to be fascinated by the objects that filled
it. Professor Balin collected medieval Muggle instruments of torture.
Thumb screws, pincers, skull crushers, and things he couldn't identify
covered the walls.
Professor Balin, was a tall, middle-aged man with a sharp wit that could
quickly turn nasty. He seemed to enjoy watching students squirm-- even
his own Slytherins. "Professor Clayton tells me you're the most talented
Potions student he's ever had."
"Thank you, sir." That wasn't what Snape expected. What about the
Pettigrew incident?
He settled himself behind his desk and leaned toward Snape as if speaking
confidentially. "There's an old friend of mine who could use someone with
your expertise when you leave Hogwarts, but he's certainly not interested
in a wizard who doesn't understand that there is a time and a place for
everything."
Here it comes.
"McGonagall tells me that you performed a Body-Bind Curse on Mr. Pettigrew
for which she not only gave you detention, but deducted fifty points from
Slytherin, as well." Balin paused as he regarded Snape with those piercing
blue eyes, seeming to take his measure. "Severus, you must learn to curse
more discreetly. Better to bully students who are friendless. I'm sure
Pettigrew ran to Potter, Black and Lupin before going to McGonagall. And
don't be shy about using Memory Charms when necessary." The older man
broke out in a wicked grin. "Though having your victims remember the terror
you caused them is half the fun, eh boy?"
Snape could hardly believe what he was hearing. He and his fellow Slytherins
had always known Balin to be ruthless, but this was too good to be true.
Balin's smile faded. "In other words, do what you like, just make certain
you don't get caught. I'll be damned if we loose the Inter-House Championship
to Gryffindor again this year because of your carelessness. Have I made
myself clear?"
Snape's mouth curled in a smile. "Crystal, sir."
***
