Chapter 2

Snape sat in his office after dinner, thinking (aloud and silently) all the while of how best to pester Harry during potions class when he stated, "I am so diabolically British it's sexy."

"I have to agree with you there Severus."

Snape whipped around to find none other than Natalie Aspen leaning in his doorway. "I didn't think anyone was listening to me," he said, smiling sheepishly.

"Oh, I wasn't. I just walked in on that last lovely, and very true, statement. I stopped by for a chat. Now, I realize I have been with Professor Flitwick preparing lessons, but it seems you've been avoiding me, well except for the feast. Have you been avoiding me, Severus?"

"No, I've just been extremely busy preparing for my classes," said Snape, though his voice lacked much conviction.

"You know, I don't need to be an accomplished Legilimens to know that is a load of dragon dung. It seems to me that you could have come to visit me in my office."
Snape remained silent after this statement and just smiled at Natalie, an unusual glimmer of happiness in his eyes.

Natalie entered Snape's office further.

Natalie and Snape went back a long time, to their first year at Hogwarts to be exact. They were both sorted into Slytherin, but couldn't be more different. Snape had been (and still is) rather withdrawn from everyone else while Natalie was comical in a sarcastic manner. Nevertheless, they had been best friends. Snape felt Natalie was truly the only one who really understood him. Natalie felt, herself, that those who had made fun of him were absolutely dreadful. She was always telling people off for bothering him, especially that James Potter and Sirius Black.

When they pulled out of their embrace, Natalie said, "I have missed you so much. And you haven't bothered to keep ruddy well in touch!" At this she gave Snape a light and rather playful slap on his arm.

"Oh and you have?" Snape asked this and watched as Natalie smiled guiltily and blushed.

"Ah well, come to my office sometime. We can have a spot of tea and catch up on everything. I've always fancied having a nice little bunny. So, if you don't show, I might just turn you into that lovely rabbit," she said still smiling.

"You will, will you? Right, well I guess I'll show up. I certainly don't want to experience what Lucius's son has." And seeing the confused look on Natalie's face he continued to explain. "About 3 weeks before the summer holiday Alastor Moody, stopped by to speak with Professor Dumbledore and saw Master Malfoy, one of my house, of course, with his wand aimed at Potter. Now, I would have simply taken points from Potter for causing a disruption. Alastor, on the other hand ,decided to turn Malfoy into a white ferret and bounced him around the Entrance Hall, until Professor McGonagall stopped him, that is." Natalie laughed lightly a this particularly delightful anecdote.

"Sounds absolutely lovely," she said. "Well, I must get back to my room. I'm dreadfully tired. Care to walk with me?"

"I'd love to." They left Snape's office chatting in a hushed manner.