Professor Snape was about to say something else when a sudden knock sounded at the door of the Potions Classroom.
He had no choice but to walk over, reluctantly, and slowly pull the door open. He fixed a cold stare on the first-year student standing outside.
"Mr. Creevey, if you can't give me a suitable reason for interrupting my lesson—"
"Then, I'm afraid, something unpleasant will happen."
"I think Gryffindor is about to lose twenty points because of you... No, make that thirty."
Professor Snape calculated how many points he had awarded Harley during the lesson and casually increased the number he threatened to take away.
The young wizard shuddered. His face went pale and he swayed slightly as he stammered, "P-Professor Snape, Professor McGonagall asked me to bring Harley Potter upstairs."
"That lie isn't especially convincing."
Professor Snape's voice grew even slower. He looked down at Creevey from beneath his hooked nose.
"I believe it's lesson time. Professor McGonagall would know that."
"B-but Mr. Ludo Bagman is there too," the young wizard said, growing increasingly uneasy. He didn't seem to know what to do with his hands.
"Mr. Bagman asked all the Champions to go over. I think he wants to take pictures of them..."
The expression on Professor Snape's face softened considerably. He nodded silently, then turned to Harley.
"Harley, hurry along and get your picture taken. Don't keep Professor McGonagall waiting!"
"And don't forget your detention tonight!"
Then Professor Snape's gaze quickly swept back into the classroom.
"Weasley, is there something funny? Gryffindor loses fifteen points!"
He'd given Harley a few too many points earlier. It was time to take some back!
On the way to a classroom on the first floor, the first-year wizard repeatedly apologized to Harley.
Apparently, he thought she had ended up