Repetitive Folly

Prologue

Severus Snape watched as the two teams met. He'd only come to make sure that the Gryffindors didn't give the Slytherins any trouble. And if they did, he was ready to take away House points and assign detentions. He watched as the two captains exchanged words and Draco stepped forward.

He paid more attention to what was being said by Draco. He had, after all, promised Narcissa that he'd look over his favorite student. He was mildly amused as Draco insulted the Weasleys.

Then Granger opened her mouth. "At least no one on the Gryffindor team had to buy their way in. They got in on pure talent."

He wondered what his favorite student's reaction would be. He watched as the smug look on Draco's face turned into one of disgust.

"No one asked your opinion, you filthy little Mudblood."

Snape flinched at the word and then looked to Granger.

He took in her expression. Then suddenly it wasn't her anymore. He'd seen that look before, but never on Hermione Granger.

"I never meant to call you Mudblood, it just —"

"Slipped out? It's too late. I've made excuses for you for years. None of my friends can understand why I even talk to you. You and your precious little Death Eater friends... You've chosen your way, I've chosen mine."

Dragging himself away from his past, he looked back at the group of students and saw Weasley, Potter, and Granger leaving. He looked at Draco who was being threatened by Gryffindors and praised by his fellow Slytherins.

Severus looked at the blonde boy and felt a sense of dread come over him. "Dear Merlin," he said to himself, "please don't let Draco Malfoy fall for Miss Granger. Please do not let this insult be something he regrets. Do not let this be my same mistake."