Ch 12

Severus walked down the hall with Sinead who was quiet which was quite unlike her.

"I shouldn't have scolded you about Potter. You're not a student-"

Sinead stopped suddenly and turned to face Severus.

"I accept your apology." She whispered putting a hand on his cheek and then quickly walked away her cheeks burning since she was seconds away from kissing the man.

"Sinead, I-" For once Severus Snape was without words. His heart was about to beat out of his chest, if he was correct the red headed witch was about to kiss him but she practically ran away. Snape was pulled out of his thoughts by a group of giggling Hufflepuffs. He gave them a cold stare then deducted 40 points and stalked off in the direction of the dungeons.

Sinead was supposed to go back to London that night but instead decided to stay and help Poppy in the hospital wing. After putting on a more comfortable pair of grey pants and a long sleeved sweater Sinead walked into the hospital wing. Poppy looked tired and Sinead gave her a smile.

"I can take over." She said as Poppy paused for a moment. "Get something to eat and some rest. Trust me I can handle this." Poppy finally nodded going over what had happened since Sinead went to dinner.

The younger witch checked the four students who were still being treated as the older witch made her way out of the hospital wing. A few moments later Sinead looked up to see Fred and George being led in by Professor McGonagall who was giving the twins a lecture about safety.

"Miss O'Neil, what a surprise."

"I decided to stay here for the night. I don't have it in me to get back to London in one piece." Fred gave George a goofy smirk.

"How are the patients? No lasting damage I hope." Professor McGonagall said her arms crossed.

"Everyone involved is doing fine."

"Professor, we tested everything ourselves. Clearly these lads were not using the Weasley's Wizard Wheezes products the correct way." Fred said as George nodded.

"If you two used your brains for your school work instead of your products you would be top of your class. I shall write to your parents and let them know what has happened. You will both be serving a detention with Mr. Filch tomorrow missing the New Years party." Fred groaned. "No complaints. Someone could have been seriously injured. No doubt if Miss O'Neil and Madam Pomfrey were not so skilled these boys would have lasting damage. I will also be letting the Headmaster know what you two have been up to." The boys were excused as Professor McGonagall looked at Sinead. "Are you sure you're up to being here? I can send by Poppy's apprentices that just returned."

"I am ok, thanks for the offer." Sinead said forcing a smile.

"Good night then." Minerva McGonagall walked briskly out of the hospital wing as Sinead said down in a chair looking in the four sleeping patients. It was well past midnight when Sinead woke up to footsteps and her eyes widened as she saw a black billowing cloak coming her way. She ran her fingers through her hair and turned back towards the desk pretending to be reading something.

"Is Poppy not here?" Sinead shook her head.

"I told her I'd watch the students." Sinead said not looking up from the table.

"Let her know I completed the potions she requested. I'll leave them over on her desk." Sinead nodded and she heard his footsteps leaving the hospital wing.

An hour later the student with the most severe burns woke up and needed another draught of pain relieving potion but his wounds where healing nicely. The second student looked to be healed with only a small bit on pinkness on his arm. The other two student where completely healed. Poppy returned at close to 4am sending Sinead back to her room.

When Sinead reached her room she fell on her bed and stared at the ceiling. It was New Years Eve and she didn't want to be in the castle and embarrass herself in front of Severus but she didn't want to return to London and be alone. Sinead drifted off to sleep around 6am and stayed in bed till well past noon when an elf appeared with a tray of food.

"Miss O'Neil, I have brought you some lunch." He said softly.

"Thank you." The elf bowed and disappeared. Sinead forced herself to eat a bit of lunch and then went to shower and dress. She began to pack her things when another elf appeared.

"The headmaster would like to see you." Sinead was led to Dumbledore's office and took a seat as the older wizard came into the room.

"Miss O'Neil, you decided to stay? Poppy told me that you gave her the night off." Sinead nodded.

"I am packed and ready to go back to London."

"London? You must stay for the New Years celebration." Sinead paused for a moment.

"I don't think-"

"It will be a grand time. Everyone will be glad to have you. After the feast in the hall the students celebrate in their common rooms. The staff have their own celebration." Sinead slowly nodded. "Great. Dinner starts at 8:30."

"Thank you." Sinead said standing up.

"Miss O'Neil, you need to be patient with Severus." Dumbledore said softly. Sinead was about to speak when he continued, "He is a different man when you are around. Don't let the incident with him at dinner let you think differently. Severus has grown to care about you since you two have been working together."

"He doesn't seem like it." Sinead whispered.

"Give him time, my dear. Severus isn't used to having someone feel for him." Sinead was walking towards the library when she spotted Ginny Weasley.

"Sinead, you're still here?" She asked.

"I am."

"Are you Snape's girlfriend? That's what everyone is saying." Said a brown haired boy at Ginny's side. Sinead's face was shocked.

"Go." Ginny gritted at the boy who hurried off. "Sorry about that."

"Don't be. American men are worse." Sinead said with a small smile.

"So you'll be here for New Years?"

"I will. I think that I'll be heading home sometime tomorrow." Ron, Harry, and Hermione came out of the library carrying their bags.

"Sinead's staying for the feast tonight." Ginny said as the others offered their hellos.

"I promised a chat on fashion. Why don't we do that? Hermione, care to join us?" Sinead asked with a smile.

"Umm..."

"Come on, it'll be fun." Ginny said as Hermione nodded.

"I'll take your bag back to the common room." Harry said as Hermione handed over a heavy bag.

Sinead found an empty classroom and began using spells to change her clothes into various outfits. Ginny was having a good time but Hermione looked a bit board.

"I wish I could visit America." Ginny said dreamily.

"Salem and New Orleans might be interesting to visit."

"Well... if I end up back home you two are welcome to visit anytime."

"Really? Oh that would be so much fun." Ginny said as Hermione forced a smile. "What are you wearing tonight?" Ginny asked. The girls had been sitting around for over two hours.

"Don't know yet. It's nice to have just a girls chat."

"Ahem..." The girls looked to see Dolores Umbridge in the doorway looking at Sinead's outfit which she quickly turned back to her

"normal" clothes.

"We were just leaving." Hermione said ushering Ginny out of the room.

"Miss O'Neil, might I have a few words?"

"About what?"

"What was going on?"

"Just girl talk."

"Hmm... you're a young lady of 26, not much older than a student. I must ask you what your relationship is with Professor Snape." Sinead frowned.

"How is that your business?"

"He is several years your senior, by 10 years or so, and Hogwarts staff

are not allowed-"

"I am not staff here." Sinead said her arms crossed glaring at the plump woman in front of her.

"But he is."

"He is what?" Came a cool voice.

"Just the person I was talking about."

"Miss O'Neil, the feast starts in an hour. Albus wanted me to remind you." Severus didn't wait for a reply and walked off in the direction of the dungeons.

"I will find out." Umbridge said as Sinead walked out of the classroom.