Snape "I said it appears insufficiently refined. Miss Granger, Miss Waters. If your hearing requires attention, I suggest consulting Madam Pomfrey."
Orli jerked her head up, fixing Snape with a blazing stare. But to her astonishment, Snape was already watching her—as though anticipating, perhaps even inviting, her retaliation.
Orli "I believe our hearing functions perfectly. It's your eyesight, Professor, that requires examination."
The words escaped Orli's lips before rational thought could intervene.
The dismissal bell chimed through the dungeon. Yet nobody moved—the entire class seemed crystallized in shocked silence. Hermione, Harry, and Ron gaped at the unfolding confrontation. Orli caught Malfoy's whispered observation:
Draco "What's happening? This feels eerily familiar to first year..."
Snape "Due to Waters's brazen insubordination,"
Snape elevated his chin with theatrical authority:
Snape "She will remain to sanitize the classroom. Everyone else—get—out—immediately!"
The Slytherins evacuated with remarkable speed. Gryffindors followed in their wake. Hermione cast Orli a deeply concerned glance before departing, while Orli remained rooted in place.
Only when the dungeon held just the two of them did Snape speak again:
Snape "Tonight, seven-thirty. Headmaster's office. Dumbledore requires your presence. Password: Cauldron Cakes."
Orli "Understood, Professor."
Orli responded with clinical detachment, then began methodically collecting abandoned cauldrons. Snape remained motionless behind his lectern.
Snape "This afternoon brings Defense Against the Dark Arts. Exercise caution with Umbridge."
Snape added with unexpected concern.
Orli "Yes, Professor."
Orli repeated automatically. After a moment's consideration, she elaborated:
Orli "I share your suspicions regarding Umbridge's agenda at Hogwarts. She represents Fudge's interests—if she cannot move against Dumbledore directly, Harry becomes the logical target. I'll monitor the situation closely."
Several minutes passed before Snape spoke again.
Snape "Waters."
Orli "Do you require something else, Professor?"
Orli inquired with perfect propriety.
Snape "...I merely sought a pretext to detain you today. To relay Dumbledore's summons."
Snape hesitated, then continued:
Snape "You... mustn't harbor anger."
Orli "I comprehend perfectly. I'm not angry."
Orli nodded with mechanical precision, continuing her methodical table-cleaning.
Snape "...Waters, that's unnecessary."
Snape flicked his wand with practiced efficiency. The classroom's chaos vanished instantly.
Orli "Thank you, Professor. I'll take my leave."
Orli abandoned her cloth and pivoted toward the exit.
Snape "Waters!"
Snape intercepted her path in three swift strides. Orli lifted her gaze, meeting his eyes with unflinching directness.
Snape "...You remain angry."
Snape declared with absolute certainty. He wavered momentarily, then offered:
Snape "Five points to Gryffindor."
Orli "Professor."
Orli spoke with barely restrained exasperation:
Orli "If you've resolved to sever our connection, then cease this maddening inconsistency. I lack your capacity for emotional schizophrenia."
Snape "I merely intended to—"
Orli "Yes, you intended to detain me for Dumbledore's message, but such manipulation was entirely unnecessary. A simple communication through the Two-Way Mirror would have sufficed..."
Snape "I desired private conversation."
Snape declared in gravelly undertones.
Orli felt her eyes burn with unshed tears, but she maintained rigid composure through sheer willpower.
He had pushed her away. Now he pursued her attention. What cruel game was this?
Orli "What precisely did you wish to discuss privately?"
Orli challenged, lifting her chin:
Orli "Weren't you concerned about fostering irreversible misunderstandings?"
She hurled his previous words back like weapons.
Snape "Orli..."
Snape's voice emerged as though dragged from the depths of his throat after tremendous internal struggle.
Orli "Professor, you should address me as Waters."
Orli stepped around his imposing frame, thrust open the dungeon door, and strode into the corridor without a backward glance.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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