I never got my binder back from Severus but that was okay since I remembered everything and besides it just gives me a reason to go see him again. Discarding my most recent sketch which were my fail attempts at combining a lion and a snake, I headed off to Severus' office for the third time this week.

Unlike the other couple of times, the corridors were full of chatty students just having a good time with their friends. I knocked on his door and waited for his reply.

"Come in Mrs Somerhalder."

"How did you know it was me?" I asked as I sat down in the same chair as I did the night before.

"As you can imagine I don't get many visitors. You seem to be the only one ignorant enough to pursue anything more than a professional relationship."

"Just so you know if you're going to address me like one of your students, it's Ms Somerhalder. I'm not married or seeing anyone. Also, I will take that as a compliment. I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt especially when they already have so many rumours about them. And it's not unusual for colleagues to be friends. You're going to be stuck with me for a while yet."

He mumbled something about me being a fool or insolent girl. It was one or the other. There might have been something in there about me talking too much as well.

"Here."

Severus pushed my binder towards me. I stared at it for a moment or two, this was not going well. At first I wanted to be friends because that's what Lily would have wanted but, now I want to be friends because he's unlike anyone I've ever known. Yet here he is pushing me away as far as possible.

"That is what you came for, is it not?" Severus asked, a little puzzled at my reaction.

"Um, no yeah it is." My voice was so quiet I barely heard it myself. I clutched my binder close to me and started walking away. Just as I got to the door I stopped and looked back to find Severus slightly puzzled.

"Actually, Professor Snape?"

"What is it now Ms Somerhalder?" Any sign of the confusion he felt completely left his face.

"I was wondering if maybe you would…"My voice trailed off and I almost slapped myself for being so nervous. It's not going to be a date, I just want to know him a little better. So why am I so nervous?

"Spit it out you wretched girl."

"I wanted to know if you would accompany me on a walk around the school sometime." I answered softly, my voice subtly pleading him to say yes.

"No."

"Awh come on, just one walk. It won't even mean anything, just want to know you a little better okay?"

"What will I get out of it?"

I paused. That was very Slytherin-like of him but he's got a point. He's skilled in both Legilimency and Occlumency so what else have I got to offer? I don't have any other magical skills but there must be something. I got it.

"How about you spend Christmas with me?"

"And why would that please me?" He scoffed.

"Well, you can either spend it with me or be locked up in the school away from my friend's dragon farm."

Severus raised an eyebrow at me. I wasn't sure if he was stunned or what so I used Legilimency and found out for sure.

Dragon farm?... young and inexperienced as herself…connections… Impossible...Foolish girl…Lies

I coughed which seemed to be sufficient in getting his attention back.

"I'm not young and inexperienced or if I am, I'm not as young as you think I am. I'm thirty, Professor and just so you know I had always regretted not getting to know you when we were younger."

With that I left the room, if he didn't want to be friends that was fine. His behaviour was tiring anyway. If he wants to take that walk, he knows where to find me.

Later that night, I tossed and turned in my bed. It wasn't unusual for me to be a bit of an insomniac, in fact it was common knowledge among most people I knew and tonight was no different to any other night. When I stayed with Xeno and Luna I would often walk around at night with my Patronus flying around as a precaution. Mine was an owl and after I learnt how to become an Animagus that's exactly what I transformed into. It was pretty useful but I have to admit I don't spend a lot of time in my owl form.

I pushed my duvet back and grudgingly got out of bed. Maybe I just need to walk it off, it won't be too cold tonight. The night air had previously helped before so I was hopeful. I fastened my cloak over my black singlet and pink, tweety bird boxers before I stepped out, closing the door behind me.

Hmm, where should I go? Before I knew it, my legs pulled me into the direction of the black lake. It was always my favourite part of the school. Whenever I needed to think or some peace and quiet this was where I went. My hair must be in unruly waves by now. They always when I woke up but I never minded because it was only the ends that curled up and it actually suited me. A cool breeze swept past my neck. I shivered and swept my hair to the side. It was colder than I thought it would be and right now the only thing the night air is doing is keeping me awake.

I was standing on the edge of the lake. The waves rose and fell mere centimetres in front of me. Even though I'm a Witch I've always enjoyed the artistic way of life. I would draw, paint, write, play music, sing, pretty much anything to express myself. Turning around I glanced at the castle behind me, it was really peaceful out here away from the school. I walked up a metre or three from the lake and turned to my left.

"Accio Grand piano."

My voice travelled with the night air. A beautiful, black grand piano stood in front of me along with a wooden piano bench. I sat down and wrapped my cloak around me. My hair was flying in almost every direction but it calmed down as the wind died. There were still a few breezes flying about but nothing strong enough to blow my hair into my face. My fingers lightly brush across the keys. It's been such a long time since I've played, so many songs to pick from. I decided to pick a fun, little rock number. 'Livin' On A Prayer' by Bon Jovi, such a classic.

I smiled as my fingers flew across the keys, hitting every note of the intro.

"Tommy used to work on the docks
Union's been on strike
He's down on his luck

it's tough, so tough"

My voice wasn't as suited for the song as Jon Bon Jovi's was but I could still belt out the lyrics just as well.

"Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man, she brings home her pay
For love - for love

She says

We've got to hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference
If we make it or not
We've got each other and that's a lot
For love - we'll give it a shot

Ohhh, We're half way there

Ohhh, oh Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear
Ohhh, oh Livin' on a prayer"

I couldn't help the stupid grin that found its way on my face. It felt so good I found myself being the happiest I'd ever been since I got here.

"Tommy got his six string in hock
Now he's holding in what he used
To make it talk - so tough, it's tough

Gina dreams of running away
When she cries in the night
Tommy whispers: Baby it's okay, someday
We've got to hold on to what we've got
It doesn't make a difference
If we make it or not
We've got each other and that's a lot
For love - we'll give it a shot

Ohhh, We're half way there
Ohhh, oh Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear
Ohhh, oh Livin' on a prayer
Livin' on a prayer

Ooooh, We've got to hold on ready or not
You live for the fight when it's all that you've got
Ohhh, We're half way there
Ohhh, oh Livin' on a prayer
Take my hand and we'll make it - I swear
Livin' on a prayer"

My voice trailed off with the piano, signalling the end. An applause snapped my attention to my right. Severus was standing there in his usual attire and he was clapping for me? Is that praise?

"That was well done Ms Somerhalder. May I inquire as to why you're not in your quarters?" My heart clenched slightly at the sound of his voice. I could barely breathe with the butterflies in my stomach. You know, when he wasn't mad or annoyed his voice is actually quite alluring. It just about sent chills down my spine.

"I could ask you the same thing Professor Snape but I already know the answer."

He seemed amused by my answer. I would be too if someone said that to me.

"Is that so?" He drawled.

"Yup, you're a bit predictable. I have twenty galleons that say you were roaming the corridors looking for the occasional student breaking curfew."

Severus rolled his eyes at me and walked to my side. I shifted over so he could sit which he did so without asking.

"Yes, because I live to give those dunderheads detentions." He replied sarcastically.

"Really? I thought it was because you liked to scare the students, but I suppose your explanation makes more sense." I teased, playing along.

"You still haven't answered my question, Ms Somerhalder."

"I'm a bit of an insomniac and tonight was just another one of those nights so I came out her to clear my head. And you Professor Snape?"

He turned his back on me. If he was capable of emotion he might have blushed but in the moonlight it was impossible to tell. The slight tinge of red on his cheeks as he turned away from me might have existed and it might not have.

Severus took in a deep breath, watching him made me wonder if he was having one of those 'It's now or never' moments.

"I was wondering if you wanted to take a walk." He grunted. I smiled widely at him.

"I thought you'd never ask."

He turned back to face me, surprise and shock showed evidently on his face.

"W-what?"

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at him since I know he wasn't used to company.

"I, Ms Somerhalder would love to take a walk with you, Professor Snape. Was that clear enough?"

He didn't respond causing me to worry.
"That is unless you've changed your mind of course." I quickly added.

"No, I haven't."

He seemed to remember where we were. I was worried I'd lost him for a minute there.

"You played beautifully by the way." Severus said softly in a calm voice I'd never heard him speak in before. I blushed and looked down at the keys, my hands began fidgeting with the edge of my cloak to calm my nerves.

"Um, thank you. Se-Professor. Would you like me to play something?"

"Stop calling me that." He growled.

"Stop calling you what Professor?" I asked innocently. I may be pushing it a bit but can't hurt for him to clarify a bit.

"Must I spell it out for you. Stop calling me Professor, you are not my student. My name is Severus."

"Alright, but only if you call me Allyce from here on out."

"Agreed."

"Any requests Severus?" It felt good to be able to say his name out loud again. You never realise how much you miss something until it's gone – even if it is something as small as a name.

"No."

"Alright, I'll play something and we can go for a walk if you want. Sound good?"

If I was expecting an answer I wasn't going to get one. Severus turned around so like me, he was facing the piano keys. He watched as I started playing the intro. My smile never left my face, I was just really happy and excited which is weird seeing as it's the middle of the night.

I didn't sing this time. I just played 'Start Of Something New' written by my good friends Matthew Gerrard and Robbie Nevil. The lyrics are quite sappy and romantic which are another two things Severus won't like. At least I'm pretty sure he won't like it, he comes off as more of a pessimistic. You know the cynical kind where in their world, there are no happy endings.

I was grateful for my cloak the very second I started playing as it covered the scars that marred my wrists. They were my secret. A constant reminder of where I've been and how dark the world can be. About halfway through the song, I found myself subconsciously murmuring the lyrics.

"Now who'd have thought that

We'd both be here tonight?

And the world looks so much brighter

With you by my side

I know that something has changed

Never felt this way

I know it for real

This could be the

Start of something new

It feels so right

To be here with you…"

My voice trailed off as I realised that Severus was sitting right next to be. I could feel the heat rising to my cheeks that blushed so easily. Did he hear me singing along? Was I singing quiet enough to avoid detection? Focus, Allyce. Just keep playing, everything will work itself out. I still had another minute or so before the song ended but I decided to skip a bit and then play out the end. Transitioning it with an impromptu group of notes that fitted in, I covered the gap so it wasn't likely he noticed and cut the piece short.

I took pressure off the piano keys and paused for a moment before I placed my hands in my lap and faced Severus.

"What was that song you played?"

"Nothing, it's something a couple of my friends wrote. They're hoping to use it in some kind of musical but they haven't found the right one. It's a bit of a stupid song when you think about it but it seemed fitting to play it even though it doesn't have any depth."

Severus stood up. I hadn't noticed it before but I liked the way the light bounced off the water and onto his clothes. They contrasted nicely against the black and I became entranced before I snapped myself out of it. He held out his hand which I gladly took and lifted me off my feet. I gave me another smile and looped my arm in his – which he didn't mind even though he looked a bit uncomfortable. Turning around I sent the piano back to wherever it was it came from before and fell in step with Severus.

Neither of us spoke. That seems to be a re-occurring thing with us. We fall into these lapses of silence but neither of us seemed to mind and it's not awkward. I don't feel that need to fill the silence like I normally would. We walked to the Quidditch pitch and back through to the quad. I heard the sounds of the night life, the insects, the wind and the water. I'd forgotten how much Hogwarts changed at night. This was when you could really appreciate the beauty of the grounds rather than rushing past it like most of us do during the day.

At some point my grip had tighten on Severus' arm and I could feel how toned they were which made some…let's say 'interesting' images spring to mind. If Severus noticed how my grip had tightened, the blush the followed afterwards, or the little shake of my head, he didn't show it. His face still wore the same uninviting, cold façade he was known for.

We reached the door to my quarters all too soon.

"Thanks for the walk, Severus."

He leaned in to my ear. His breath grazed the nape of my neck sending a tingle of excitement in my stomach.

"You are most welcome Allyce."

Was he enjoying this? Could he see just what's he's doing to me?

"Severus, do you want to come in? There's something I want you to listen to."

He nodded in agreement and I lead him inside. I was going to perform it at the talent quest Albus was getting me to organise as a house challenge but maybe it was a bit personal for that. Who knows maybe I can rope him into a duet, that could be quite fun. Well, it would be if it wasn't so uncharacteristic of him. I sat on the edge of my bed and motioned for him to join me.

"Accio piano keyboard"

A black Yamaha piano keyboard appeared in front of Severus and I on a stand.

"This is actually two songs put together but I made my own changes to the music and some of the lyrics. It's 'Lullaby' and 'Gotta Be Somebody' by a muggle band called Nickelback. You haven't heard of them, have you?"

"No"

"I arranged it with you in mind so just keep an open mind and don't get offended because that's the last thing I intended to do."

Before he could respond I started playing and let the music fill the room. I didn't have the same course voice as their lead singer so I had to make do with what I had and alter it to fit my voice which was a lot softer. Sure, I could still sing songs that had an edge but the message that was to be carried wouldn't have suited it.

I started off timid and quiet but my voice gradually found its way through the second verse.

"Well, I know the feeling

Of finding yourself stuck out on a ledge

And there ain't no healing

From cutting yourself with the jagged edge

I'm telling you that

It's never that bad

Take it from someone who's been where you're at

Laid out on the floor

And you're not sure

You can take this anymore

'cause nobody wants to be the last one there

And everyone wants to feel like someone cares

'cause nobody wants to go it on their own

And everyone wants to know they're not alone

If you can hear me now

I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And you can't tell

I'm scared as hell

'cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Well honey, here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby"

The next verses came as a surprise for me. I hadn't meant to change it any more than I'd already had but it felt right.

"Tonight, out in the cold out in the moonlight

And dammit this feels too right

It's just like déjà vu

Me standing here with you

So I was holding my own breath

Could this be the end?

Is it this moment when

I'll find the one I'll spend forever with?

Please let me take you

Out of the darkness and into the light

'Cause I have faith in you

That you're gonna make it through another night

Well, everybody's hit rock bottom

And everybody's been forgotten

When everybody's tired of being alone

Yeah, everybody's been abandoned

And left a little empty handed

So if you're barely hanging on

Just give it one more try

To a lullaby

And turn this up on the radio

If you can hear me now

I'm reaching out

To let you know that you're not alone

And you can't tell

I'm scared as hell

'cause I can't get you on the telephone

So just close your eyes

Well honey, here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby

Well honey, here comes a lullaby

Your very own lullaby"

I returned the keyboard and got up to my bookshelf. A little light reading should help lure sleep in. Out of the corner of my eye I saw Severus stand up and when I turned there was a glint in his eye. Was it a trick of the light? Why does it matter? How is it I can't help but stare?

"It's late. I'll be leaving now."

"Oh, okay. I guess I'll see you around then."

Walking over to him I slipped a book into his hand as we reached the door.

"It's something a friend of mine gave me awhile back."

He studied the book in question. It was a fairly small book as it would fit in the palm of your hand and only about seventy pages. There was no title or even the name of the author. It was made out of leather and hand stitched with red thread.

"It mainly covers dark creatures from the time of the founders. I thought you might like it for a bit of light reading."

"Thank you, Allyce."

I smiled at him in return and tiptoed to press me lips against his cheek. His skin felt like ice but that was to be expected. My lips didn't linger on his skin like I wanted them to instead I leaned into his ear.

"You're welcome, Severus."

He nodded, flustered by my actions and carried on out the door. As I shut the door behind him I didn't bother to try and stop the chortle rising in my throat. I can't believe I just made Severus Snape flustered. Going for that walk was one of the best things I ever did. That night I had one of the best sleeps in a long time.