The next day passed quickly before I was to assist Severus again. I was finding it difficult to get the Potions Master off my mind. The way he spoke and his silky accent sounding my name sent shivers down my spine.

It seemed problematic at best to concentrate on anything and I was silent as the grave as I poured ingredients into the cauldron and stirred. Scribbling filled the air as Severus marked parchment at his desk.

"You are rather quiet today, are you not, Miss Chambers?"

I remained silent.

The scribbling quill stopped and Severus sighed. "A much different performance from yesterday. Is something troubling you, Miss Chambers? You are not still angry with me, are you?"

"No, no it's just that it's terribly cold down here, sir."

I slowly turned to see Severus had put the quill down and was gazing at me.

"You seem nervous, Miss Chambers. You have not become ill within the past twenty four hours, have you?" He continued to question me.

"I am cold." I stressed.

Severus sighed and crossed his arms around his chest. "Victoria."

My breath hitched at the realization that he'd just spoken my first name.

The Potions Master circled his desk slowly, almost as if he was bating me to admit something he already suspected.

"I believe you and I both know from several years of experience at Hogwarts...the dungeons have always been quite cold."

I nodded. "Yes, Professor."

"Tell me, Miss Chambers. Where is this fiery, hot-tempered young lady I witnessed yesterday?"

By this time, I established that he was tantalizing me. "I don't know. Perhaps you should go back to work and allow me to finish mine."

I heard him sigh deeply and saunter back to his desk. "You are only confusing things further, Miss Chambers. Over time it will become clearer to me."

"What do you want from me, Professor?" I demanded.

The Potions Master peered at me quietly for a moment before releasing a dramatic sigh. "I have been reflecting upon yesterday's events since they have occurred, Miss Chambers. However, it appears you have not given me a second thought. It is rather odd, is it not? You seemed so concerned about me yesterday and now you remain silent on the topic."

I continued stirring the potion. I did not want to admit anything to him.

Severus seemed to become angry. He stood up from his desk and approached me and the cauldron. "This potion is complete, Miss Chambers. You may go. I do not wish to see you again for the remainder of the week. I am well now, despite the accident I dealt with concerning you and a cauldron."

I flinched. "Sir, I apologize...I am just trying to find my place in all of this. I feel as if...as if I may be falling for you."

He sighed. "So this is why you have been acting peculiar is it, Victoria?"

Tears began rolling down my eyes as I tried to focus. "I'm sorry, sir. I must go."

"Wait, Miss Chambers." I heard Severus call again as he did the day before. However, I ignored him yet again.

Once alone, Severus exhaled deeply and began putting away the potion ingredients I had left out. Not long after, furious quill scribbling began to fill the air once again.