Author's Note: I renamed the story and I just went through chapters 1-5 and did some edits. Anyways, thanks for those who've put this on alert and added it to favorites. reviews are awesome btw! From my outline I think I'll have the story finished at around 9 chapters and will update one chapter a day.

Chapter 1: Snape Summer School

Why me? I always thought this was what I wanted to do. Well, ok, maybe not. I think this was just the first time that I ever did something without anyone else prompting me to. Well, that would be a lie too since ultimately I did this because it was least expected. And isn't that just being pushed into by some outside force as well? No one may have picked this for me or lead me to it, but I still chose this to prove someone wrong. What's wrong with me? Stupid ferret. It's all his fault. If only I didn't let him bait me, if only I didn't –

"Miss Granger?"

"I'm sorry Iris, what can I do for you?"

"Umm, Miss Granger you can stop wringing my paper…you said you were going to read through it and help me understand the potion better…"

I looked down and can see that I've almost obliterated the young girl's parchment. Granted, it would probably have been better that way. The way it is written now…I wonder if you can obliviate someone of everything they know about just a spell or potion so you can start them over…hmm, that might be something I should look into.

"Miss Granger, you're doing it again."

"GAH! I'm sorry Iris! It's just that…that this won't do. I really suggest that you try again. Maybe from scratch. I believe we have some books in the library that might be useful. They aren't to par to what you will find at Hogwarts but it should still suffice for the remedial course."

"I'm sorry Miss Granger. I'll try harder. Thank you." Iris replied in such a meek voice that I felt more horrible than I already did. I don't think I can keep doing this. I thought I loved my job. I'm sure I loved it at some point, I just can't remember the last time that I did. What is wrong with me?

"Class, I think its best we call it a day. I think that we've all been working too hard. Why don't you all go enjoy the afternoon and I'll see you tomorrow. No extra assignments either."

There is such joy and cheer as the students leave that I feel a brief recognition of why I do this. The smiles on their faces make me happy and as I am about to walk out the classroom I walk right into the reason today – no summer – has been horrible.

"Wow, Granger, didn't think you had it in you." I cringe into his chest, and fortunately he cannot see me trying to hold back tears.

"Hello Malfoy, what can I do for you this afternoon?" A small tear escapes and I'm just about ready to break down into sobs. He wraps his arms around me and starts to rub my back to try and console me.

"Mia, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to tease. What's wrong?" He walks me backwards into the classroom again; his foot closing the door behind him. He gently pushes me onto one of the desks and stands in front of me with a look of pure concern. I start to remember why I first let him into my life and listened to him all those years ago.

I try to hold back my sobs; my breathing is slowly becoming regular. "It's nothing really. You know how I get during the summer. I just can't handle these children sometimes. I don't understand how they can let themselves be placed in this program, you know? Its one thing when I'm teaching the younger kids in preparation for Hogwarts, but doing the Summer Remedial Course, I just don't know. It makes me question teaching at all. I start to resent my students, my classes, my job, my life, and I question my choices, and I don't like that at all. It's just – "

"Mia, stop that right now. I know what you're going to say and it's all bollocks and you know it. You're an amazing teacher and you know it." He kisses me on the forehead to punctuate the point.

"I know it's your first year doing this program but McGonagall would not have even tried this program if she didn't believe in you. The Board of Governor's wouldn't have given you a grant for the program if they didn't believe in you. Parents wouldn't have let their kids take your courses if they didn't believe in you." He kisses my nose. He knows I hate that. I make a face.

"Now, why don't you just start believing in yourself so that we can go to dinner? I believe I'm supposed to be on my best behavior tonight, and how am I supposed to do that if you're all in tears and everyone is blaming me for it, hmm?" He gives me a chaste kiss to the lips to shut me up before I can give any form of retort.

Stupid ferret, always knowing the exact thing to say to make me stop crying. I stick my tongue out at him and grab his hand to lead us out of the classroom. As we're walking down the short hall to the exit I stop him and stare at him pondering out loud, "Draco, how did I get so lucky?"

"To be honest Granger, I don't even know. Are you sure you didn't slip me something one day? Maybe I should check my coffee each morning to make sure I'm not still under some sort of love potion. Or maybe it's a spell you cast in my sleep?" I punch him in the arm.

"Just for that, you're sleeping on the couch mister, regardless of how well you behave tonight!" And just like that, my problems of the day are gone and we're on our way to Three Broomsticks for dinner with my friends.