Disclaimer: I don't own Harry potter or any of the characters. I'm just a nerd writing stories about them

Once again Severus snape sat In front of the mirror of erised staring at the image of a woman that he had never met. It had been eleven years since his heart's desires had changed and he still had no hint to who this young girl was. She was thin, average height, with bushy brown hair, and the most lovely brown eyes. Over the years Severus had come to love the image he saw and wanted nothing more than to find her.

Severus realized what time it was and quickly left to prepare his lesson plan for the start of term. He was dreading sorting ceremony and the mass amount of annoying first years. Albus had told him that the potter boy would be starting school this year and Severus hated the thought of having to see the offspring of his enemy.

He went to his chambers and fixed himself a glass of Odgen's Firewhiskey. As he drank he thought of the girl. He wondered when he would meet her and what he would do when he did. Would she care about him as her would for her? Could anything ever happen between them?

When he finished his drink he set down his glass and began to work. When he had finished it was a little after one in the morning and he decided to get some rest so he could be up early to finish any last minute things.

When he awoke that morning he showered, shaved, and dressed then headed to the great hall to have breakfast with the staff. At breakfast he ate and chatted with Minerva about the new year and how she wasn't looking forward to teaching the Weasley twins or their little brother.

After breakfast he walked around the grounds just thinking and enjoying the silence. He ran into Hagrid and they chatted for a bit. Then Severus returned to his chambers. He sat in his living quarters and wondered if he would have any bright students this year. If there would be anyone that could really challenge him.

When it was almost time for the students to start arriving Severus headed up to the main hall and took his seat next to Quirell at the head table. When the first years walked in behind Minerva he saw the potter boy and glowered at him.

Minerva took her place at the top of the stairs and read off the first name on her list.

"Hermione Granger"

That's when he saw her. He knew it was her. She was young about eleven or twelve with buck teeth, bushy hair, and the same eyes he had seen almost every day for eleven years.

"Gryffindor" the hat said

Once again Severus had to watch his heart's desire walk away to that table. So close yet so far away.

The boys Potter and Weasley were both put in Gryffindor and took their seat right next to Hermione. Albus gave his speech and then everyone began to eat.

The entire meal Severus couldn't help but stare at the girl. He became aware of potter looking at him but he didn't care. He was trying to think of what he would do. He knew nothing could happen between them because of her age and him being her Professor but he had to do something. He decided that after he spoke to the new Slytherin he would go speak to Dumbledore