Ok, so this is a random little idea because I LLLUURRVVEEE 'kind' Snape fics; yet they always seem to be between staff. So I wanted to create a character that was a student; that brought out the best in him. Forgive me if sometimes he is a little (or a lot) OOC, but its probably necessary to get the scene in. I may be going back and forth, editing and updating chapters; but if I do I'll post a note up top.
So bear (ggr, lol) with me, and plse review. Criticism is welcome; as long as you justify and give me a login name so I can reply. XD Plot bunnies are also VERY welcome.
PS- set in year1984, unless specified otherwise.
Enjoy!
As routine, Minerva called out the names of the first years, however, quite afar from routine, Minerva watched one first year in particular.
She honestly had no idea who she was, this girl; standing alone, away from the group.
Head held high, she was slightly taller than most of them, and had pale skin with slightly wavy, dark brown; almost black, hair.
Minerva smiled to herself, ignoring the whispers that ran around the room, as she watched the girl push her hair out of her eyes and behind her ears. Although her hair was long enough to remain put there (for it fell to her shoulders); it slid straight back to her face.
Removing the hat from a newly-declared Hufflepuff, Minerva called up another boy whom she was sure was a-
Yup.
No sooner had she placed that hat upon that boys head than the hat had called "Slytherin!"
He just had that look.
The hat was taking longer to decide upon a "Nymphadora Tonks" so Minerva looked back to that girl, who had now pushed her hair back over the top of her head, out the way entirely.
Minerva had to control herself when she saw the child's eyes, a deep, dark black. They reminded Minerva of a winter's night sky, or the velvet black of the Lake.
As the child looked up at the floating candles, the firelight glistened in her eyes, giving her the distinct look of a will o' the wisp; and as she met Minerva's eyes, Minerva saw a deep sadness, but a contentment with it.
This child, this girl was OK with how she was, OK being an outcast from everyone else, OK with having the pain she showed in her eyes, OK with-
The outburst from the hat made Minerva jump.
Easy Minerva' Albus's voice intruded her thoughts.
Looking over her shoulder at him, he bowed his head gently.
Shaking her head a little to right herself, Minerva looked at the next name on her list and smothered a smile.
"Nutmeg Honoria Immoralyis."
The peculiar girl with the pale complexion gave the group of first years a frown as they sniggered, and gracefully walked up the steps to Minerva and the sorting hat.
She walked slowly, purposely; Minerva imagined she'd be the kind of girl that could scale ropes and climb to the tops of trees. And hang from ribbons cascading from the ceiling, like Xiomara she thought with a smile to herself.
Nutmeg' reached Minerva, and before sitting down she looked Minerva in the eye and bowed her head to her; her eyes never leaving Minerva's.
Then she turned to face the students of Hogwarts and sat down, neatly folding her hands in her lap and closing her eyes.
After placing the hat on the child's head, Minerva reflected on her.
Nutmeg'. Minerva wondered what kind of parents would name their child that. Well, at least one of her parents had to be wizarding folk; because she hadn't had visit her and explain to two bemused Muggles about Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Minerva tilted her head to one side; the hat was taking an awful long time to decide upon which house she belonged in.
Nutmeg was a spice, Minerva knew that much. Taken in large doses it could be fatal. That was all she knew, really. And Immoralyis- Minerva had never taught anyone with that name before...
Nutmeg twisted her hands uncomfortably as the hat said something to her, and Minerva noticed.
She had long, thin fingers. Long nails, too.
The hat appeared to smile, and Nutmeg stopped fidgeting.
"You have the best of four," The hat drawled, announcing each and every word carefully and loudly, "and the worst of none. You shall be... Undecided."
Whispers began to escalate, Minerva even saw the Potions Master leaning towards Albus as he murmured something.
"Therefore" The Hat continued, raising it's voice to be heard, "I grant you the opportunity to be great."
Minerva could just about see the girl, Nutmeg- she corrected herself, listening intently to the hat's speech.
"I place you in Slytherin." The Sorting Hat announced, and Minerva noted Nutmegs small, contented smile; as the girl lifted off the hat herself, and handed it back to her.
Once more she bowed her head to Minerva, then went over to the Slytherin table, her hands clasped behind her back.
The rest of the sorting passed uneventfully; and during the Welcoming Feast itself, Minerva couldn't help but let her eyes drift towards the girl- Nutmeg.
"Um, Severus." Minerva ventured, as pudding floated onto the table.
"Minerva." He drawled, clearly uninterested.
"One of your charges isn't eating." She said, not looking at Snape but at the child in question.
"Pudding is optional, Minerva." He reminded her, face clear of all emotion as Minerva turned to glare at him.
"They havn't eaten anything all sitting, Severus." She explained.
"Lucky them."
"If I may," Albus put up a hand to the bickering either side of him. "Who are you talking about, Minerva?"
"Nutmeg Immoralyis." She said, nodding her head to where she sat at the Slytherin table. "Not a bite, nor a sip. Nothing."
The Headmaster nodded, and even Severus looked to where the child sat.
Indeed, her head was bowed, and she sat perfectly still; bronze plate in front of her empty, whilst students either side of her ladled up their plates with cake slices, profiteroles, and various other sweet things.
"Hmmm..." Albus thought, "Maybe, as Severus seems to think; she is simply not hungry? Out of appetite. After all; being deemed implacable by the Sorting Hat would take away even my appetite!"
"Even if it were lemon drops?" Minerva smiled.
Albus chuckled, "Perhaps, if you approach her after dinner Severus, then this can all be settled. And Minerva, my dear; I could always find room for a lemon drop."
Severus watched the exchange about sweets with a bemused expression; he would never understand those two.
But ... Yes, he supposed the Headmaster to be right, he should talk to Miss Immoralyis later.
When could he single her out though? 'I suppose as I introduce myself to them later.' He decided.