Scarlet Swan hurried along the corridor not wanting more attention than what she had already received by slapping Rosier hard across the face. The nerve of him! Constantly asking her out on dates and looking at her that way. She was so fed up with him! She wanted to focus on anything but him right now. She sighed. If she was lucky she would probably find an empty compartment all to herself along the back of the train. Then she found one. She opened the door ignoring the fact that it was completely empty except for a boy, a year or two, older than her.

"Hey, um do you mind if I sit he-" but she stopped abruptly at the sight of him. The one and only Severus Snape, who had tutored her a couple of years ago, was sitting there absorbed in a book. Or was absorbed - but he was now standing up pointing his wand fixedly at her. When he realized who she was he lowered his wand.

"Hey, Severus would you mind if I seat here?" She asked in a relieved voice.

He eyed her warily and answered in a curt nod. Scarlet smiled politely and sat down. He was quite struck at the sight of her. After she no longer needed his tutoring he hardly had seen her around. Even though she was a year younger than him. She had changed quite a lot and had gained herself a reputation with Hogwarts boys from all houses and even from older ones too.

Trying to start a conversation she brought up the subject of Potions which she knew he had a genuinely interest in. " So how are you? I know it's been a while since we've stopped Potions together"

"I'm just fine. So do you still struggle with Potions? " he replied rather reluctantly.

"There have been many changes in "that" department. I have changed." she stated.

"Lovely for you, now I will resume my reading. Some of us have more important things to do."

"Right" she said and she took her copy of Numerology and Gramatica out.

They kept that way for most of the trip and he ignored her for the rest of the trip. When she could not keep reading she made her do something she would normally not do. She went and sat besides him to try and figure out what he was so absorbed in. Caught of guard he snapped the book shut and looked closely at her. He hadn't realized that in fact she was much too close and he stiffened. Scarlet seemed to notice this.

" Oh, Severus do I make you –putting a lot of emphasis in the next word- uncomfortable? With that she leaned even closer.

Severus bobbed his head, awkward around her anyway and more so when he had nowhere to retreat to immediately. She was just looking at him. He felt like a bug beneath a pin as she tapped her finely sculpted nails against the stiff fabric of his robes.

"You look nervous" she stated

"Lovely for you. Now if you'll excuse me." Severus moved to turn, but Scarlet's hand reached out for him.

"You don't need to rush off." Her hand was very small. Even on Severus' thin wrist her hand seemed tiny.

"What do you think you are doing? Get away from me now! " Hostility crept into Severus' voice. His body was tense and he was eager to leave.

"Your wish is my command". Enjoying this new source of entertainment she removed his book from his legs and sat on his lap.

"Is this better? " she said flashing a mischievous smile.

Severus was about to loose control when-

"Severus, I've been meaning to-" but Lily Evans stopped at the sight before her. Severus Snape had a girl sitting on his lap. Not just any girl but he had Scarlet Swann – Hogwarts most envied girl. The girls hated her because of her looks and because her outstanding talent. Lily found that she was rooted to the spot, she couldn't believe her eyes. She was caught of guard and she honestly didn't know what to say.

Scarlet looked at her expectantly while Severus sat there in complete shock. Doesn't anyone knock?, he thought to himself

"Sorry, I've should have knocked first" she said and blushed furiously.

"Well Evans, get a move! Don't just stand there!" Scarlet snapped.

Lily turned on her heels and closed the door. She would talk to Severus later. Coming out of his shock Severus pushed Scarlet away. But she did not look offended. Within seconds the train came to a halt. Before going out of the compartment Scarlet told him one last thing.

" You'll warm up to me over time… I just know it" she said winking.

Severus just stood there completely shocked and puzzled about what just had happened.

"This – he thought to himself - is going to be year full of surprises."