Challenge: Snape's new friend
Word Count: 100
Zabini handed over his latest report, cleverly concealed as a palimpsest under his homework. Severus committed it to memory, murmured the charm that would restore the parchment to an essay on the uses of antimony in Defensive potions, and nodded. "Satisfactory, Mr. Zabini. More than satisfactory."
"Thank you, sir." Zabini made as if to go, then hesitantly turned back to Severus' desk. "Professor? Do you have a moment?"
Severus cast a sound-masking spell. "Are you in danger? Malfoy was - "
"I can handle him," said Zabini, with a trace of his usual hauteur. "This is personal."
"Tell me more."