Author's notes - Thanks to SpencerReid for the review, and for everyone who's put this story on alert. I try to update at least twice a week, but I can't predict which days of the week that might be, so I apologize for anyone who's had trouble finding it. In this chapter, Draco Malfoy does the unthinkable and apologizes, and Rose shocks Severus with her request. Hope you enjoy! Reviews are always welcome.
"Severus! You're up early."
He warmly greeted his colleague. "And, good morning to you, Minerva. I trust you slept well?"
"Better than you, I imagine," she responded bluntly. "What was Remus thinking when he suggested that Mr. Longbottom imagine his boggart in his grandmother's clothes?"
"I imagine he thought it would look ridiculous. That is, after all, the only way to defeat a boggart."
He had tried to answer lightly, but she heard the underlying hurt in his voice.
"No one meant to embarrass you, Severus."
"And yet, it occurred nonetheless."
She patted his hand, and for once he didn't feel awkward when someone touched him. McGonagall was old enough to be his mother, older, in fact, and occasionally she forgot that he was the Potions Master and treated him like one of her first year students. On an even rarer occasion like this one, he appreciated it.
Helping himself to a generous serving of scrambled eggs, Severus added bacon, sausages and toast to his plate before asking Minerva to pass the orange juice. It was still quite early, and he ate without being interrupted. While he was enjoying a strong cup of black coffee, Filius sat down on his left and immediately poured himself a large bowl of cornflakes.
"Good morning, Severus!" he stated cheerfully in between bites. "We missed you at dinner yesterday. Were you working on a temperamental potion?"
"Nothing so important," he replied easily. "I fancied a walk to the lake."
The congenial wizard blinked, not quite knowing what to make of Snape's out of character behavior. "Yes, of course. The lake is very nice at that time of the evening. Well, it's definitely good to see you out and about so early this morning. Half the students haven't made it into the Hall yet."
He scanned the House tables. Filius was right, only half the students had managed to drag themselves out of bed to breakfast, but there was another forty-five minutes before the first class began. There was still plenty of time for Draco to apologize to Miss Potter.
The Slytherin was conspicuous by his presence. Usually Mr. Malfoy didn't waltz into the Great Hall until fifteen minutes before the start of classes. Today, he was sitting sullenly by himself, a plate of half-eaten rolls in front of him. He obviously had hoped to get his apology out of the way before there were too many witnesses.
Minerva began to rise from her seat, but Snape's advice soon stopped her. "You might want to stay. Mr. Malfoy is going to apologize to Miss Potter for his behavior yesterday in Potions."
The Transfigurations Professor stiffened. "Do you think that's wise, Severus? Mr. Malfoy will likely upset her further."
Only after taking out his wand and whispering Muffliato did he answer. "She must face her fears, Minerva. Where better than in the safety of the Great Hall?"
"Besides," he added in an exaggerated sniff. "Draco is overdue for a lesson in courtesy."
Twenty minutes later, Rose Potter, along with Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley and Neville Longbottom entered the Great Hall. Draco sprinted from his seat to intercept them before they could reach the Gryffindor table.
Severus was too far away to make out what was said, but the words were unimportant. As soon as the group spotted Mr. Malfoy, Ronald Weasley became belligerent, gesticulating wildly and verbally attacking him before the Slytherin could open his mouth.
His upset had a rather unfortunate effect on Rose. Hunching over as if to better protect her body, she nervously backed away. She might have backed up all the way to the Gryffindor common room if Hermione had not been in the way. The bushy-haired girl put an arm around her, but it had little effect on the frightened child's demeanor.
Of the three boys, it was Draco who noticed her upset first. Ignoring Ron completely, he barked at Rose, no doubt demanding what was wrong with her. If anything, this made the Gryffindor more anxious, and she began to wildly scan the hall, as if looking for someone. When her eyes met his, Snape was shocked to see her visibly relax, although she stilled showed signs of her discomfort.
He was rapidly regretting his decision to have Draco apologize. The entire Hall was silent, and every eye was upon the loud, discordant group. The blonde's question had ignited Weasley's fury all over again, and the overly protective boy had begun to harangue the Slytherin once more.
Draco silenced him with a well-placed hex. When Neville would have retaliated against him, however, Hermione put her hand out to stop him. Silence settled over the spectators, and if he strained to hear, he could just make out the words being said.
"If you're not trying to cause trouble, why are you bothering us, Malfoy?"
"Believe me, Granger, I have no desire to get chummy with the likes of you. I'm trying to apologize to Rose, but Weasley there is making it difficult."
At his explanation, Rose straightened, flushing. "Then, apologize, Draco."
The room started buzzing with instant rumors and speculation. The noise level was too loud for him to follow the rest of the conversation, but Draco's actions surprised him completely. The usually arrogant child looked unusually sincere when making his apology, which ended in a formal bow. There was no denying the boy had manners when he chose to use them.
Heaping insult to injury on Ronald Weasley, Draco coolly undid his hex as he turned his back to the group and sauntered slowly to the Slytherin table. Longbottom, who appeared perplexed at the entire exchange, had to physically restrain Weasley from going after him. Hermione was biting her lip, a sure sign that she didn't understand anything that had just happened either, but Miss Potter calmly watched Mr. Malfoy retreat, an unreadable expression on her face.
Once Draco sat down, the group headed to the Gryffindor table. The exchange had lasted less than five minutes, and they seemed in no rush to shovel breakfast in their mouths. (Except for Weasley—it was truly remarkable and disgusting the amount of food that boy could eat.)
Even Rose ate with gusto, filling her plate with eggs, toast and sausages. He was glad to see her eat. Molly had sent him regular updates during the two weeks Rose had spent at the Burrow, and there had been several days when the Weasley matron had been forced to coax the girl to eat. It seemed Hogwarts truly agreed with her.
McGonagall abruptly pulled him out of his musings. "That was a dangerous thing you did, Severus, but I think it was of benefit to both Mr. Malfoy and Miss Potter. Merlin's beard, but did I hear him call her Rose? As far as I know, Mr. Malfoy has never referred to her by her first name before today."
Snape chuckled wickedly. "And, she called him Draco. Well, I have always thought their confrontations would be less volatile if they simply kissed and got it over with."
His fellow teacher was shocked and appalled. "Severus! You can't possibly think—"
He immediately sobered. "No, Minerva, I don't think it would be wise for the two of them to pursue a relationship. For one thing, they are mere children, and for another, I can't imagine that Rose is emotionally ready after seeing her reaction to Mr. Weasley today. However, there are reasons that clichés are clichéd, and it is very true that Mr. Malfoy will do almost anything to gain Miss Potter's attention."
"I've never thought about it that way," she admitted tremulously, as if the very idea was disturbing. "I fear you are correct, however. Rose's reaction to Mr. Weasley's anger was troubling."
"What did you expect from her after such an attack?" he asked with annoyance. "That she would be the same carefree child that she has always seemed to be? Well, let me be the first to inform you, Minerva, that she has never been a carefree child. She came to Hogwarts with deep emotional scars after a lifetime of neglect and abuse at the hands of her loathsome relatives, while we all assumed that she had been a pampered princess. That is, after all, the way the Girl-Who-Lived would have been raised in the wizarding world, is it not?"
Students were gradually leaving the Great Hall and the other teachers had all left some minutes ago. Neither professor, however, seemed to notice, too wrapped up in their private conversation.
McGonagall frizzed like an angry cat. "I am not as naïve as you would believe, Severus! Yes, I had hoped that obliviation would spare her the pain from her ordeal, but I've already admitted to being wrong on that point. And, you are not the only one who cares for the child. I told Albus not to leave her with those Muggles, but once he's made up his mind, he rarely listens to an opposing point of view. I cannot erase what has been done to her in the past, but I am trying to do what's best for her now. I am her Head of House, and it is my responsibility to see to it that she receives the help she needs. So do not lecture me about Rose!"
He immediately apologized, and she accepted his apology with a sniff. It was only then that they looked up and realized they were alone. With a hasty, "we'll talk later," McGonagall practically flew out of the Hall. The Potions Master wished he dared fly to his class; he knew with his limp he would be at least a few minutes late. Revealing such an ability, however, would be foolish in the extreme. Flying without a broom was an exceedingly rare talent that only the most skilled wizard could master. Spy or no spy, he had no intention of giving his enemies such an insight into his power.
Severus ate a cheese pasty at his desk, rereading the training regimen Poppy had prescribed for him. It included daily potions, adequate rest, strengthening exercises and an admonition to keep stress at bay as much as possible. He stared bleakly at the last item. His life had never been carefree, and it was not about to become peaceful now.
"Professor Snape?"
He looked up from the parchment he had been reading. "Good afternoon, Miss Potter. Shouldn't you be at lunch?"
She shrugged, and he had to bite back the temptation to berate her for not eating. Instead, he motioned at the tray the house elves had prepared, but she merely shook her head. He'd deal with her lack of appetite later; something was obviously bothering her.
"Is there something I can help you with?"
The anxious girl began to wring her hands, blurting out her question like her tongue was on fire. "Doyouthinkmymum wouldbedisappointedinme?"
Well used to the nervous speech of his students, he had no trouble interpreting her words. The unexpected question, though, caught him off guard. "What in the name of Circe has happened to make you worry about that? Lily would have been very proud of you."
There was more wringing of the hands. "I'm a coward, Professor."
Incensed that she could think such a thing, he exploded. "Did Mr. Malfoy suggest that to you this morning? He'll serve detention for the rest of the year if I hear of any such thing! There is no shame in being afraid of Sirius Black! He is a most foul wizard who enjoys the pain of others! It is understandable to be afraid of that madman! I certainly am!"
Unlike the scene in the Great Hall that morning, Rose didn't react to his temper like she had Ron's. However, she was astonished at his admission. "Are you really frightened of Sirius Black, Professor? I wouldn't think anything could frighten you."
Taking a deep breath, he did his best to regain his equilibrium. "A witch or wizard would have to be insane not to fear Sirius Black, Miss Potter. Believe me when I tell you that your mother would be very proud of you. Professor Flitwick often brags in the teacher's lounge about your talent for charms. Your mother was one of his favorite students, you know. You have no cause to be ashamed, and I will be speaking to Mr. Malfoy about his insults."
Her hands stilled as she quickly refuted his wrong impression. "Draco didn't say anything bad to me, Professor. He was actually civil once he stopped shouting."
"Then, who has so wrongly convinced you that you are a coward?"
Cheeks reddening in shame, she hastily looked away. "No one had to convince me. I already know it. If I wasn't a coward, then I wouldn't be scared to make up my Defense lesson with Professor Lupin."
Though he managed to keep his voice even, there was a dangerous chill to his tone. "If he has done anything untoward, I will rip him apart limb from limb myself."
"Nothing like that, Professor Snape! He's been really nice . . . . I mean, he came into the Hospital Wing yesterday to give me my assignment and started talking about Mum and Dad all on his own. He was one of Dad's best friends, but I guess you knew that, huh?"
"I do."
His tone made it clear that he wouldn't appreciate any questions on that subject, and she didn't pursue it. Instead, she finally admitted what had made her so uncomfortable.
"Anyway, the lesson I missed was on boggarts, and Professor Lupin suggested we meet after supper to make it up. But Hermione told me a boggart shows your worst fear, and Ron said his was a spider, and he hates spiders, Professor, and I'm just worried that I'll see something that scares me so much I won't be able to move, and the boggart will eat me or something, which would be a very embarrassing way to die, especially since everyone else hasn't had any trouble with them."
If he hadn't seen the earnest expression on her face he would have thought she was joking. He knew some students became anxious about their classes, but this was Rose Potter and Defense against the Dark Arts. Rose was by far the best Defense student of her year, although, considering the two previous teachers the third years had been forced to endure, that might not be as much of an accolade as first thought.
Then again, exposing Rose to a boggart right now was as dangerous as adding Alihotsy leaves to a Calming Draught. "Perhaps it's best to study the theory rather than attempt a practical experiment."
She sputtered with indignation. "But, I thought you'd tell me that I was being a nutter and I should face my fears."
Her reaction shocked him to the core. She had come to him for encouragement. Why did she suddenly trust him so much? She didn't remember what he had done for her.
"Why didn't you consult your own Head of House, Miss Potter? Professor McGonagall is very good at counseling her students.
She shrugged, obviously ill at ease. He deliberately kept silent, knowing she would feel compelled to speak at some point. After a few seconds, she tried to explain.
"It's just, you took me away from the Dursleys. No one's ever cared enough to do that before."
The guilt of his failures threatened to crush him. If he had loved Lily at all, he should have made sure her child was well cared for. "I am sorry I did not think to do so any sooner."
"It's okay, Professor. It's not like anyone else tried, and you didn't put me there. Dumbledore did."
He deliberately ignored her comment, though it only added to his pain.
"You wish me to help you face your fears."
For the first time, she stood tall and resolute, her chin held high like the Gryffindor she was. "Well, it's not as if I like being a coward, Professor."
"Indeed. And, what would you have me do, Miss Potter?"
Again, she unconsciously wrung her hands. "Could you come with me to Professor Lupin's office? That way, if I get too scared, you could, I don't know, help."
He could point out that Lupin was competent enough to keep her from being harmed by the boggart, whatever form it took. He could turn her down on the grounds that she should go to Professor McGonagall with such a request. He could refuse without reason, too unsettled by the fact that she had shown such simple trust in him. In the end, though, there was only one possible answer.
"Remain in the Great Hall after you eat your supper and I shall accompany you to your lesson."
"Really?"
He suppressed an eye roll. If she hadn't believed in the possibility that he'd agree, then why had she asked in the first place?"
"Are your ears overflowing with wax, Miss Potter? I distinctly remember speaking clearly. I assure you that I am well aware of the times I stutter."
His sarcasm flew over her head. "Oh, no, Professor. I know you didn't stutter. You've gotten a whole lot better since you took me away from Privet Drive."
"A matter which I believe is best kept secret."
"Don't worry about that, Professor. Mr. Weasley already told me not to mention it to anyone. Only the Weasleys and Hermione know."
"A wise decision. Now, I believe that you have a Herbology lesson to attend in a less than fifteen minutes. Take a pasty with you as you leave. It wouldn't do for you to faint on top of the plants. Some of them might take offense."
She smiled at his pathetic attempt at a joke, and he was poignantly reminded of Lily. Rose might have Potter's hair and face, but she had definitely inherited her mother's smile.
"Yes, Professor!" she called out as she grabbed a pasty and ran out the door. "See you tonight!"
Banishing the tray back to the kitchens, Snape did his best not to dwell on his promise as he prepared for his next class. He was not looking forward to accompanying Miss Potter to her Defense lesson, and for once it had nothing to do with being in the presence of the wolf. Boggarts, he had to admit, terrified him as much as they did Rose.