A Secret Admirer: The Stalking of Severus Snape

Note: This chapter in particular references parts of my other stories that overlap, particularly A Gift For A Hag.

Chapter 12: Passerby

Professor Snape hurried out of the apothecary and turned down a deserted country lane in Hogsmeade. No sooner had he passed some trees when a thin, bony hand reached out and clasped his shoulder. Long, sharp nails dug into his skin. He patted the inside of his cloak and placed a hand over his wand stealthily. When he turned around he was face to face with a hag. He drew his wand and pointed it at the creature.

"Excuse me, er, miss. You may have been at the Lockhart book-signing with your cronies…but I am NOT interested in dating anyone or anything despite what that excuse for a proper wizard has said. Furthermore…"

"Relax, Severus. It's me."

"Do I know you?'

"Have you received the latest parchment?"

Snape sighed and put away his wand. "No."

"You will, today. I would like you to answer as soon as possible."

"What do you require an answer for?" asked Snape suspiciously, eyeing the hag wearily.

"You will see. How are you?"

"Quite well, might I ask what is with your choice of…get-ups? I mean…disguises."

"I wish not to be recognized, of course. Well, not just yet, anyway."

"I feel it would be prudent for you to select less…flamboyant disguises in future, that is, if you wish to approach me," said Snape, highly annoyed.

The hag wheezed and cackled. She sounded like a muggle saw, thought Snape.

Snape stared at the hag's face in barely concealed horror and noted that her gums were a putrid color when she, apparently, grinned at him. Snape winced and thought to himself, that if she was trying to appear attractive, one would think she would restrain herself from using such horrible and unappealing guises.

"Really…you need to select less conspicuous disguises. I nearly hexed you," offered Snape.

"What do you have against hags, Severus?"

"I would tell you, but it is quite a long story. It also involves a loathsome individual that I have the misfortune of calling an…acquaintance."

"I've got time. No polyjuice today. I have a talent for transfiguration…among other things."

Snape blinked once and dearly hoped she was not dropping any sexual innuendo his way, while transfigured as a hag.

"I am quite an accomplished witch. I have a highly reputable job. I will tell you when the time is right."

"I see," said Snape frowning. "Another time…perhaps?"

"You know, you were always superb in Potions. I am not surprised you are the master at Hogwarts."

"I will accept the compliment," said Snape awkwardly. "Does this mean that we were in the same year?" asked Snape slowly.

The hag hesitated, then went on.

"Hmmmm….telling you more than I ought? Why not? Maybe we were. Not necessarily to recognize talent when I see it," the hag replied mysteriously.

Snape could not conclude if she was lying or not. He could use legilimency but he would rather not look at her for sustained periods of time. Had she slipped? He wasn't sure, but who else could it be? What other females were suspect at Hogwarts? McGonagall and Sprout had taught him as a boy, it was absurd, they were widows and quite older, so he hadn't bothered to investigate. Who was left? He had to have gone to school with her…she had pretty much confirmed this before. Was it…? Speaking of Sprout…she had chased them away once or twice…if it was her.

Just then two elderly witches with frizzy hair and poorly darned cloaks passed. They gawked at Snape and the hag and stopped abruptly in their tracks.

"Solara, it's true! It's true! Gilderoy told us at the book-signing that this man, Professor Snape, was in love with a hag!"

"Mr. Snape, you truly are a warm and caring man. A real doll! See, Hilda, look how cute they look together. Why else would Gilderoy put in such a good word for him? There is hope of love for everyone!"