Disclaimer: I don't own anything besides my OC and her father. The rest belongs to J.K Rowling.
Sorry if Severus is slightly OOC.
It was midday the next day and Severus was sitting in his chair, reading the Daily Prophet. He was about to turn the page of the paper, when Albus Dumbledore flu powdered in threw the fire place. Severus only nodded in greeting as Dumbledore let out a happy; "Good day, my boy!" and smiled to the-now- foul Severus.
"Why are you here Albus?" Severus asked when Dumbledore just stood silently by the fire place. Severus was about to ask again when Dumbledore started speaking.
"Severus, my boy, I believe you are aware of the fact that Lily's son, Harry, is going to join us at Hogwarts next year, am I correct?"
"Of course, Albus. How could I not? It's Lily's son" And Potter's. Potter's name went unspoken. Severus didn't like to say his enemy's name, nor did he want to admit that Lily had married him.
"Yes, it is Lily's and James's son. I am sure you remember the promise you made? To protect her son, Harry? I believe it is time for that. I have my reasons to believe that Voldemort will try to return and that would mean that young Harry's life may be in danger." As Dumbledore spoke, Severus felt fear running threw his body. Not only did he fear Harry's life, but his own too. If the Dark Lord was to return, that would mean that he'd be forced to become a spy, once again.
"Are you sure Albus?" Dumbledore looked at Severus, the usual spark in his eye gone; "Yes, I am sure my boy. However," The spark in Dumbledore's eye returned; "one a lighter note; there is still plenty of time left of the summer for you to relax. And who knows, maybe you'll gain a new friend too." Severus didn't miss the amused spark in Dumbledore's eye as he said those last words. What did he know?
Before Severus could ask, Dumbledore was gone. After a few minutes of sitting still and not doing anything except thinking of the information he'd just gotten, Severus stood up from his chair and walked over to his window. For some odd reason, Severus hoped to see the girl. For a few minutes, he stood there and looked out for the girl.
Just as he was about to give up, a shadow passed the house next doors window. Instead of the girl, the shadow turned out to be the girl's father. Severus turned around, not interested to look at the man who reminded himself of his own father, and walked over to his fire whiskey. Just as he was about to pour himself a drink, a knock on his door stopped him.
Severus sighted. He believed it to be the local kids at Spinner's End who was knocking on the door; they always made bets on who was brave enough to knock on the "bat's" door when he was seen home. Severus began to pour himself a drink again, ignoring the knock on his door.
After two other knocks, Severus had enough. If the kids wanted to be scared, so they would. With big steps, Severus stormed to the door and flung it open.
Just as he was about to speak, he noticed who it actually was that had knocked on the door. Instead of a young brat, the girl from next door stood there. When Severus saw the girl's expression, he realized how scary it must have looked to her. The first time she'd seen him, it had been dark, so she hadn't seen his sickly pale skin or how greasy his hair was. His nose didn't help him look less intimidating, since it was big and crooked. And even his clothes were scary; what kind of person walked around in big black robes with a cape? There was a reason to why kids called him an ugly bat.
"…Yes? How can I help you?" Severus said, his moth crooked in to a smirk.
"Hello, sir. I was wondering if you had any sugar I could borrow. I am baking a cake, but the sugar is missing. So I thought…" The girl trailed of when she noticed that Severus didn't move a muscle nor made any face expression, save for the smirk.
"No… I don't have any…Sugar." Severus had to admit, he didn't have any food in the house. If he needed food, he'd simply call a house elf from Hogwarts.
"Okay. Thank you anyway… Good day sir." The girl turned around to walk away when Severus noticed the bruise on her cheek. It was so big and blue that Severus was surprised he hadn't seen it before.
"Wait." The words escaped his mouth before he could stop them. "I mean, I saw your bruise and I believe it needs to be checked out. If you want I could help you." As he spoke, Severus thought; 'Idiot. Now she's going to think you're some kind of creep. Besides, even if she wanted help, why would she dare to come close to you?' His thoughts where interrupted by a soft and barely noticeable "yes".
If it hadn't been for his uncanny ability of keeping his face cleans of emotions, Severus face had been showing shock. He had been sure she'd run away, screaming for help. Instead, it had only taken a few seconds for her to say yes. That girl sure was something.
Still slightly in shock, Severus led the girl in to his home to help her. As he saw her look around his house, Severus felt slightly embarrassed to the fact that almost everything was covered in dust. Either the girl didn't care about this, or she was a good actress, because her face didn't change one bit as Severus lead her to his chair to sit down.
Silence still hung the air as Severus went to his personal storage and took out a potion. He then walked back to the girl, whose name he still didn't know. Only slightly hesitant, Severus gave the potion to the girl, who too was hesitant to take it.
"What is this?" The girl asked as she saw the clear liquid inside the bottle.
"It's… It will help against the pain." Severus said, not knowing how to explain. Not only would the potion help with the pain he knew she felt, it would also last for many hours. So, if her father was to hit her again, no pain would be felt.
Slowly, the girl raised the bottle to her lips and swallowed the clear liquid. When she had swallowed it, she started feel a bit light headed.
'Why did I trust him?' The girl thought right before she passed out.
Oh, no! What happened? You'll know in next chapter.