"Are you alright?" The young girl repeated when Severus didn't respond.
"Severus!" They both jumped, but the girl did not miss the panicked expression that flashed through Severus' eyes, so she held out her hand for him to take. Severus simply stared at the appendage wondering why she cared, but she didn't waver as she waited for him to react. Finally, Severus took the proffered hand in his.
She smiled, her face lighting up. "This way!" She whispered conspiratorially, clutching his hand in hers as she led him away, and Severus felt strangely at ease following her.