Hermione looked thoughtful but still unconvinced. "Maybe. But it's just that Snape's been really intense lately. It feels like there's something more to it."
Artel raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Hermione's concerns. "Intense how?"
"Well, for one, his demeanor seems harsher," Hermione said, glancing around to ensure no one was listening. "And his focus on Harry has become almost obsessive. The Patil sisters mentioned it too. They think he might be trying to provoke Harry on purpose."
Artel considered this for a moment. "Snape's a complex character, no doubt. He's often difficult to read. But Harry's got a knack for attracting attention, whether he wants it or not."
Hermione nodded. "That's true. It's just, with everything going on—Saruman, the Witch-king—it feels like there's more going on beneath the surface. Maybe Snape knows something we don't?"
"Possibly," Artel mused, his expression thoughtful. "But remember, Snape's motivations are often enigmatic. He's been known to act on his own terms. It's possible he's dealing with matters that are unrelated to Harry."
The two fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. The tension in the air was palpable, and the weight of the current events pressed heavily on their minds. Artel was aware that the magical world was changing rapidly, and everyone, including Snape, was likely feeling the strain.
"Let's keep an eye on things," Artel suggested, breaking the silence. "But remember, not everything is as it seems. We might just be seeing the surface of a much deeper issue."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "Yes, let's stay vigilant. It's important to be cautious, especially with everything that's happening."
As they moved on from their discussion, both were left with a lingering sense of unease. The magical world was indeed in turmoil, and the implications of Snape's behavior were just one more piece in a complex puzzle.
With a cryptic grin, Artel led Hermione out of the classroom. They ascended from the dungeons, stepping out into the cool, evening air of the Hogwarts grounds.
"It's actually tied to Harry's dad, James Potter," Artel said, glancing at Hermione. "You know, his name's still up in the Quidditch trophy room because he was one of the best Seekers Fendor College ever saw."
Hermione looked intrigued. "What was Harry's dad like?"
"Well," Artel began, "as an adult, James was a fine Gryffindor. But back in school, he was more of a nuisance than Draco ever was."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh. Draco Malfoy, now the least favorite Gryffindor among the first-years, was known for his disdain for half-bloods and his penchant for trouble. He often boasted about his family's influence, especially after his father, Lucius, was ousted from the school board for clashing with Dumbledore. Draco had sulked for ages about it, becoming a favorite target of Gryffindor's mockery.
"James Potter was a real piece of work back then," Artel continued. "He had a knack for picking on his classmates, including our very own Professor Snape. They were in the same year, alongside Harry's mum, Lily."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Harry's mum, Lily, was from a Muggle family, right? And she was neighbors with Snape when they were kids?"
"Exactly," Artel nodded. "Lily and Snape were childhood friends who ended up in Gryffindor and Slytherin. It's similar to how Gryffindor and Slytherin are often at odds, but with the added twist that Snape was pureblood."
Hermione glanced at Artel with a thoughtful look. "Sounds a bit like us. Only difference is Professor Snape's a pureblood."
Artel smiled. "Right. Professor Snape's a pureblood, but that doesn't change the fact that James Potter treated him poorly."
Hermione's eyes widened with indignation. "James Potter bullied Snape? That's awful! He used magic to torment and humiliate him, all because he thought Snape had feelings for Lily?"
"Yep," Artel confirmed. "James thought Snape was sweet on Lily, which, as it turns out, was true. One day, James even pulled a magic stunt that left Snape hanging..."
Hermione's face flushed with anger. "How could he! That's not how a Gryffindor should act!"
"Exactly," Artel agreed. "James's actions weren't exactly the pinnacle of Gryffindor virtue. It hit Snape hard, and it's no wonder James's treatment of him contributed to the eventual betrayal by Pettigrew."
Hermione's frown deepened. "So, James wasn't as saintly as everyone makes him out to be?"
"Not really," Artel said. "It's easy to overlook the flaws of someone who's gone, especially when they're remembered as a hero. But James's actions had real consequences, and they play a part in the bigger picture of how things unfolded."
As they walked along the path, the weight of the history they discussed hung between them, the complexity of past relationships casting a shadow over the present.
"Later on, Lily went to console Snape. He was pretty worked up and said some awful things to her, calling her a Mudblood..." Hermione's voice trailed off, the gravity of the insult sinking in. She knew all too well how hurtful such a term could be for a Muggle-born wizard.
"Professor Snape and Lily eventually broke off their friendship," Artel continued, his tone somber. "Lily went on to marry James Potter, and they had Harry. Tragically, they were betrayed, and Voldemort tried to kill Harry..."
Artel sighed, reflecting on the twisted fate of these events. "In reality, these events were only fortunate by chance."
"Professor Snape became distant and withdrawn after that," he explained. "His love for Lily, which he never confessed, left a deep scar. Even now, he still harbors intense feelings for her."
Hermione's eyes softened with sympathy. "Harry has Lily's eyes but looks more like James. No wonder Snape's feelings toward him are so conflicted. Every time he looks at Harry, he sees both the love of his life and his greatest rival."
Hermione fell silent, absorbing the weight of Artel's words.
"If circumstances had been different," Artel mused, "Professor Snape might have ended up with Lily. Things could have turned out very differently."
"So, don't think Professor Snape is indifferent, or that he's targeting Harry," Artel advised. "He actually cares a great deal about Harry, even if he doesn't show it openly."
Hermione nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Where did you learn all this? I doubt even Harry himself knows."
Artel smirked. "Don't you remember? I told you, I'm a great prophet! These insights come from my dreams."
Hermione recalled Artel's teasing about his prophetic dreams from the beginning of the school year during their first Transfiguration class.
...
As they entered the castle, they spotted Snape hurrying out of his basement office.
"Good afternoon, Professor Snape!" Hermione greeted him warmly, her tone unexpectedly pleasant.
Snape looked momentarily disoriented. Gryffindor students typically avoided him, so Hermione's friendly greeting was a surprise.
"Hello, Miss Granger..." Snape responded with a slight nod.
"Good afternoon, Professor Snape," Artel added, noting a subtle improvement in Snape's demeanor.
Hermione whispered something to Artel as they walked away together. Snape watched them leave, feeling a flicker of nostalgia and a strange sense of disorientation.
"A snake and a lion..." he thought, reflecting on the brief moment of reprieve from the strictures of school life.
It was a small but refreshing change to see a glimpse of understanding and kindness breaking through the usual barriers.
....
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