The Gift of Reason

Chapter 1: The Addition

By: GryffindorAndrew

Summary: A relationship starts to develop between transfer student Michelle and her Defense Professor, Severus Snape; Dumbledore requested her transfer to Hogwarts for reasons unknown to everyone else. Why is she there? Romance, mystery, and drama.

Warnings: Rated T for language and adult situations later on.

Disclaimer: This is a work of fiction. I do not make money from this. The characters belong to J. K. Rowling, except for Miss Morris.

Author's Note: This story starts in the middle of Year 6. Some scenes revised from both book and film. Also, this is my first time coming up with a female character, so please don't be too harsh on me. I'm trying my best as a male to make her believeable. There will be no OOC, either! One of my biggest pet peeves is OOCness.

And I'm not sure how the beta reader thing works, but if there's anyone out there who wants to beta this story, please PLEASE let me know!


Severus Snape - a man of solitude. A man who remained loyal to the woman he loved for over a decade since her untimely death. Why did he ever find the Dark Arts so much more important at the time? The darkness had eclipsed all that had been light in his life, and he no longer sought happiness for himself. All he wished for now was avenging Lily. His loyalty was a virtue few people had ever acquired in an entire lifetime.

"By next class I want three rolls of parchment on the lasting effects of the Cruciatus Curse, along with an explanation on how such can occur," he said with a loud voice, as to override the many groans of his disappointed class.

"Sileeeence!" he roared, glaring at a few of the students; specifically Harry. Ron turned to Harry and sighed loudly, "Bloody hell, never ends with him, does it?"

"Detention, Weasley!" Snape spat. Hermione looked at Ron disapprovingly and just shook her head. Ron shot Snape a look of sincere hatred before turning his now silent gaze back to his desk.

"It may... come as a shock to most of you, but I can hear everything that goes on in this classroom," Snape said. The class went completely silent, "As such... I suggest you keep quiet while in this class unless you want to join Weasley. Sixth year students acting like first years will not be tolerated."

Every day in class seemed to be the same old, monotonous routine as the day before. Although he did admit teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts was leaps and bounds better, he still grew tired of it.

Snape's eyes swam around the class to make sure everyone had fell to silence before he continued his lecture, "The properties of most counters to dark magic-"

"Excuse me, sir?" a voice came from the doorway. Snape glared at the young girl at his classroom door poisonously. Would he ever get through this godforsaken lesson? He guessed not. The class turned to her as well; a few laughing at Snape's frustration.

She looked to be about seventeen. A very pretty girl with golden hair, a few shades darker than Luna's, that went just below her shoulders. Her long bangs framed her face delicately, and she had large emerald eyes; they were very close to the shade of Harry's. The heels she wore made her a tad taller than average, and the crest on her robes were of scarlett and gold – Gryffindor. None of the students in the class had recognized her though. She looked old enough to be a sixth or seventh year, so who was she? Ron and Harry exchanged confused glances.

"Yes? Can I help you?" Snape asked, annoyance apparent in his deep voice.

The girl walked into the class confidently, and Harry swallowed nervously on her behalf. She obviously had no idea what humiliation Snape would show her if she said or responded in any way that angered or annoyed him even a tad.

"Are you Snape? Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor?"

Snape's eyes narrowed as if she asked the most ignorant question known to mankind. Harry heard Malfoy laughing with Crabbe and Goyle a few tables behind him.

"Another arrogant Gryffindor in my class," he spat, his eyes not leaving her unfamiliar green ones. Harry's eyes closed, knowing Snape's assault on the poor girl had just begun. The girl didn't waver though, and her smile didn't fade, "That's right!" she responded firmly.

The obvious arrogance in her voice only enraged him further, "You will address me in the proper way! Professor or sir, but I suppose you're also lacking in the brain department. Either that or you cannot read," he said cruelly, pointing to the part of the board that read, 'Defense Against the Dark Arts' behind him.

She squinted, looked to where he pointed, and shrugged curtly, "How am I supposed to read something all the way over there without it being pointed out first? Nice handwriting you've got though, it's very feminine, sir!" she said, the class roared with laughter.

Snape was seething with anger now; he strode towards her quickly, his robes billowing behind him as he made his way to her.

"Well, well, well. It seems we have standing before me a little girl who thinks she's funny," Snape said, looking down at her grimly, angry slits for eyes. The class quickly fell silent.

"Well, I don't know about funny. I guess it would depend on who you ask," she responded, her smile finally gone.

"Indeed. What is your name, girl?" Snape demanded.

"Michelle Morris. Sixth year transfer. Here's my schedule, Professor."

Snape snatched the small piece of parchment from her hand and examined it before looking back to her, "Transfer student? This far along in the semester? I wasn't told anything about this, Miss.... Morris," Snape said, his dark eyes looking over her suspiciously.

Michelle simply shrugged, "So? Do you expect Dumbledore to tell about everything that happens at Hogwarts? If that's the case you must be a very busy man because holy shit."

The class laughed again and Snape snarled, "Congratulations, Miss Morris you will be accompanying Mr. Weasley in detention today. Also," Snape turned and began walking back to the front of the room. "Gryffindors, please note that twenty points will be taken for your new classmate's arrogance and sheer lack of discipline."

The other Gryffindors were far too amused by the new girl's antics to care about the deduction of points Snape had made.

"Twenty points? I'm sorry, sir? I don't understand."

"I suppose you wouldn't. Seeing as you're new. Points are awarded to students that do good deeds, or they can also be taken away for rule-breaking, as you've so kindly demonstrated. Each student earns points for his or her House, and at the end of the year, the House with the most points is awarded the House Cup."

"So, there's no limit on how many points you're able to take from a person or a House? Isn't that a bit unfair? Especially if a teacher is say, biased?" she questioned him.

"No. For example, another fifty points from Gryffindor because you're annoying and ask too many questions not dealing with the subject of this class," Snape said cruelly, smirking while the Slytherins laughed obnoxiously.

"Well ok. I'll be sure to talk to Dumbledore about this to make sure everything you're saying is correct," she said with a happy smile.

Snape scowled to himself when he realized the class was at it's end. The lecture he had wanted to begin was going to have to wait thanks to the nuisance he found himself stuck with.

"Class dismissed. I expect that assignment on my desk next time we meet! Failure to do so will not end well!" Snape said, watching as Michelle turned and started to leave with the rest of the class, "Not so fast, Miss Morris!"

She stopped in her tracks and turned back to him. Ron sat planted to his seat, watching as the next scene unfolded.

Snape strode passed her and slammed the door to the classroom as Harry and Hermione left last. He would have no more interruptions, even if it were only detention that risked it.

"Mr. Weasley, I want you to sort the rat spleens into the glass jars located in the back of the classroom. Although I know it will be hard for you, do not miscount or you may find yourself missing a spleen as well."

Ron's eyes widened at Snape's threat and he started towards the back of the class, stopping suddenly, "Bloody hell! That entire box!?"

Snape rolled his eyes, "The entire box, and no magic. One more word Weasley, and there's another two Professor Slughorn needs sorted. You're already missing out on your first break, I can make it the whole day if you'd like, and I imagine a day without lunch for you would be absolute torture," his attention turned back to the unfamiliar girl in front of him.

"SIT down Morris," he said, his dark orbs eying her venomously behind greasy black hair. She set her bag down next to her and sat as instructed, her eyes following him as he pulled up a chair in front of her and sat down as well.

"Since you're new, let me break it down for you, Miss Morris. You are NOT in my class to try and make a fool out of me. You are here, believe it or not, to LEARN. I can make your time here at Hogwarts a very unpleasant experience if you think it wise to cross me! Do you understand?"

The girl seemed to think about his words for a short while, "Yea, I understand, Professor. However, I wasn't trying to make a fool out of you. I apologize if you got that impression."

Snape's hard expression didn't soften. He was however, expecting another smart ass reply, but she didn't sound snide or sarcastic at all. What was this girl playing at?

"I see... Very well," he started as he got up abruptly and strode to his desk, "Finish sorting the spleens with Mr. Weasley and get out of my sight."

She nodded and stood up, lifting her bag onto her shoulder and turning to Ron's direction. "Miss Morris, three rolls of parchment on chapter nine, page two-hundred and thirteen. Cruciatus Curse. On my desk, next class," he said, dipping his quill into some ink and writing something down. Michelle simply nodded and set her things down again.

Ron looked to her and smiled, "Harsh, isn't he?" she shrugged in response, "I guess so. Haven't had him long enough to really say."

"Take my word for it. He's a bloody git, always has been. Anyway, I'm Ron. Ron Weasley!" she smiled sincerely, "Nice to meet you, Ron! I'm Michelle."

"So I heard. Bloody brilliant entrance by the way!" a darkness loomed over them and the two looked up to see Snape standing there with a look of utter disgust plastered on his face, "Just arrived and already Miss Popularity, are you? Both of you shut up or you'll have detention tomorrow AND the next day. Five points from the both of you. Pity. Gryffindor was in the lead but it seems as though your arrival has severely injured your House's chances Miss Morris. Good job," he said, a horrible smirk tugging at his lips.

He continued to glare down at them as if daring even one of them to say so much as a word. They both fell to silence and continued sorting. Snape stood there watching them for another few seconds and finally walked back to his desk.

The two Gryffindors finished their disgusting and tedious task half an hour later and made their way to the door of the class, ready to leave. Michelle stopped suddenly, "Good day Professor, it was nice to meet you," Snape scowled in response, not looking up from the parchment in front of him, "Good BYE Miss Morris," he replied, making sure to emphasize the word 'bye' in hopes she would leave him to his work. She just smiled in a way that seemed almost plotting, and turned back to Ron.


Several Gryffindors clapped upon Michelle's arrival in the Gryffindor common room during break. Ron led her over to where Harry and Hermione sat and the two welcomed her with smiles, "Welcome to Hogwarts, Michelle. My name is Harry Potter, this is Hermione Granger."

"Harry! I can talk, you know!" Hermione snapped at him, turning back to the girl that now sat next to her, "but yes, I'm Hermione."

Michelle smiled with a nod, "Nice to meet you all! Harry Potter... where have I heard that name before? I know it's something to do with Voldemort..." Ron's jaw dropped, and he almost fell over, "You can't be serious! You don't know who Harry Potter is!? He's only the boy who lived!"

"Ah! That's right! Well, very good to meet you, Harry!"

Harry couldn't believe it either. Usually when anyone was introduced to him they repeated his name excitedly and then asked to see his scar. To Harry, this was a nice change.

"Forgive me. You have to remember I'm not from around here," she explained, her confidence slightly wavering.

"Oh. Where are you from?" Harry asked, sincerely curious. Michelle swallowed nervously, "Well... I'm from America," she responded. Hermione nodded, "I thought so. I could tell from your accent. Where did you go to school?"

Ron interrupted, "You mean to tell me America doesn't know about Harry Potter!?"

Michelle fumbled with her bag, trying desperately to regain her mental composure, "Well, we've heard of him, of course. I guess he's just not as well-known in my parts. I know Voldemort is a big deal but... not everyone is exactly convinced he's back. The media in America, both magical and non, is pretty crazy slash psycho, whichever word you'd prefer."

"You mean crazier than the Daily Prophet?" Hermione asked with a stifled laugh.

"The Daily Prophet? Is that newspaper you get here?"

"Yes, and it's absolutely corrupt by the Ministry. Don't believe a word of the smears against Harry or Professor Dumbledore!"

Michelle just smiled earnestly, "Of course not. I know I just met you all, but I can tell Harry's not bad. And I know for a fact your Headmaster isn't, so no worries. Besides, I've learned to stay away from any big media outlets where I'm from. I'm not about to start believing any of it just because I've changed locations.

"To answer your other question Hermione, I go to Veneficus School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It's... in the United States, obviously. But let's not talk about school too much, it's been rather depressing over there lately..." she said quickly, hoping her attempt to change the subject wasn't too obvious. The three exchanged awkward looks and nodded in acceptance of her request.

Ron just raised an eyebrow, "So why are you here now?" Hermione glared at Ron for what could have been a very insensitive question. Michelle finally set her bag down and answered honestly, "Dumbledore requested my transfer here."

All three of them now stared at her questioningly, "What!? Why!? You know Dumbledore personally!?" the questions seemed to spill out of Harry relentlessly. Michelle slapped herself mentally, knowing she probably had said too much. "Look, I can't really talk about it... it's between Dumbledore and I. Maybe someday I'll be able to tell you guys. I mean, you seem trustworthy enough. But please do me a favor and don't tell anyone about what I just said, ok?"

They nodded in agreeance, although Harry was reluctant. He wanted to know what her here purpose was. He knew Dumbledore too well to know there wasn't a reason for her transfer unless it had to do with himself or Voldemort.

She stood up suddenly after a few minutes, "Well, it's been nice meeting you all! Hopefully I'll see you all later on in the Great Hall for lunch, yes? I've got some things to take care of," she said, picking up her bag and starting off.

"Wait! Michelle! Where are you going?" Harry asked, confused about the entire situation, and wanting to ask her more questions. She turned back to him, "I have to see Professor Snape about something! See ya later!"

Ron raised another eyebrow and looked at Harry, "Did she just say Snape!?" Harry nodded and sat back down, "Why would she be going to see Snape, I wonder?"

Hermione shook her head, "Honestly, you two! She's a new student, isn't she? She probably just has questions about the homework he's assigned."

Ron shook his head in disagreement, "Hermione, we just left his classroom. Remember detention? Why didn't she just ask him then? She could have asked one of us as well..."

Harry watched Michelle as she left the room, and ignored Hermione's explanation, "Maybe I'll ask Dumbledore about it later, during our lesson," he said finally, after his eyes had confirmed her disappearance.

Hermione looked up at him furiously, "Harry, no! You just heard what she said! She confided that information purely by mistake! Besides, don't you think if she really were up to something bad, she would tell us she was going to Snape? The smart thing to do would be lie about it," Ron quickly nodded in agreement with her, "She's right mate. Just forget it. We're her only friends here so far, aren't we? She'll tell us on her own I'm sure, and if Dumbledore requested it, it must be for a good reason."

Harry sighed in annoyance. They were right; he couldn't say anything without feeling bad about it later. Was she some new member in the Order? No, that didn't make any sense. Why would Dumbledore request a transfer for someone who lived in America in the middle of the semester? Obviously, she was there for a reason besides school.

However, if she was there for an important reason dealing with him, why was she not so familiar with the name 'Harry Potter' and the story behind him? Was she just acting like she didn't know much? And Ron had brought up a good point as well. They had just been with Snape during detention, so why was she going to see him now? Why did she have to see him privately? None of it made sense.

More and more questions ran through Harry's mind as he sat and ate, "All right. I won't say anything. But the whole thing is very odd. I think she's here for a reason that doesn't just include magic lessons."

"I think you're over thinking things Harry. We have no reason to believe anything is odd. She seems perfectly fine to me," Hermione said, closing the book she had been reading.

"No reason!? Are you blind, Hermione? When was the last time we EVER had a transfer student in the middle of the semester? Or, ever, actually? Now that I think about it," Harry asked, his voice irritated.

"All right, I'll admit that it's a bit... odd. But for all we know something really horrible could have happened to her Harry! I thought you of all people should understand that. Maybe Voldemort's done something to her as well," Hermione said. Ron just listened to the conversation quietly.

Harry nodded and flipped through the pages in his Advanced Potions book. Not really reading at all, but rather looking at the footnotes from the Half-Blood Prince and for a distraction from the awkwardness. If he could find out what Malfoy was up to, another investigation on the side wouldn't hurt.

It's not as though he didn't like Michelle. She seemed like a great person, he just really wanted to know what was going on. Only time would tell.


TBC

Please review! This is my first story here so I would really appreciate some feedback! Thanks for reading!