Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

A/N I don't know how I wrote this chapter so fast.

At the end of Transfiguration Clarissa packed her belongings in a slow un-rushed pace that was clearly dragged out in an attempt to not have to leave. Samara sighed and gently shook her head at her friend. "You know he wont directly confront you in front of everyone right? He is a private man, you've said that yourself. So quit worrying and hurry up, he might not mark you late but my house can't take many more points off for simply being Hufflepuff, not to mention late, my house would kill me if I was late for potions because I was waiting on you." She said in a hushed tone. Clarissa glared at Samara from underneath the strains of hair that had escaped the clips that held them back when Clarissa in her frustrated state of mind had viciously run her fingers through her hair. "Your house won't kill you. Their all too loyal for that." She practically spat out, now shoving her belongings in her bag. Sighing she stood up straight and shook her head, trying to clear her mind but failing helplessly. "Ready?" Samara asked leaning down ever so slightly to look closer at Clarissa's face. Clarissa looked up at her with a glare "Stop leaning down to look at me, it makes me feel shorter then I already am." She turned and began to march from the room and towards the dungeons.

Samara caught up easily "I can't help it if I'm taller then you."

"Taller? Is that what you call it? I could have sworn it was called being an Amazon."

"I am not an Amazon; I am much too delicate to be one."

"Delicate? You have muscles in places that I didn't know you could get muscles."

"Well you can blame that on Quidditch."

"No I can't. You're a seeker; you should have a build like me to go faster. Not the muscles of a beater."

Samara stared down at Clarissa with a slight grin, she knew this conversation was distracting her friend from whatever was to come once then entered the potions classroom. She was almost about to laugh at how easily she had distracted Clarissa but stopped herself, however not before letting out a slight snort. Everyone had missed the snorting sound except Clarissa whose hearing was far better then that of the regular witch or wizard. She looked up at Samara and caught her in the act of suppressing her laugh with a rather Ri-Dic-U-Lis smile on her face. Samara having realized she was caught tried to play dumb and shrug it off but Clarissa knew her far to well and muttered "Dumb Blonde"

The two finally stopped outside the potions classroom and stared at it, Clarissa staring at it like it was an execution room. Then again, to her it might be, depending on how Severus took the news yesterday. From what she remembered he had not taken it well, so yeah, this was actually an execution room. She was right in comparing it to such. The two friends looked to one another, Samara offering an encouraging smile, Clarissa looking at her with pleading eyes to let her ditch. Samara ignored Clarissa and pushed her inside and to her seat at the front of the room, before taking her assigned seat towards the back next to one of her fellow Hufflepuffs.

Clarissa sighed and finally looked up from her desk to the front of the room where Severus stood with his back turned, writing on the board. When he began to turn around Clarissa quickly moved her eyes back to her desk. Severus Snape's eyes scanned the classroom taking into account all of the students there before coming to rest on Clarissa. He had never seen her look so pathetic, so unsure of her herself and her surroundings. She acturlly jumped when some other student dropped their books onto a desk. Right now she was everything she was normally not and the thought angered him. This was not how Clarissa was suppose to be and he blamed that damned wolf for it. If he had never approached Clarissa then she wouldn't be like this now. She wouldn't be trapped the way she was now. Quickly saying what the class was to accomplish today he started moving down the aisles of the classroom as he normally did. He didn't miss the flinch that Clarissa gave off when he got close and only now realized that he to was to blame for her current state.

No one knew him better then the girl who had occupied his life for the last nine years. She knew all his secrets, his thoughts, his dreams and he knew hers. Knowing all that there is to know about him she must have assumed that he would want nothing to do with her after the wolf claimed she was his mate. What she didn't realize was that he wasn't mad at her, it wasn't her fault, he didn't hate her, any teacher at Hogwarts who taught there the last nine years knew that without a doubt Severus Snape adored Clarissa. She was the child he never wanted but was more then happy to have. Severus was not a man known for simply allowing his mask to drop however he almost slipped when he smiled ever so slightly at a memory that popped into his mind.

Clarissa was six the first time she visited the school with Severus. He could recall the way her amber eyes doubled in size and her lips formed an O when they approached the towering castle. Her hair was longer then, and was a mass of dark brown, almost black curls pushed back neatly by a ribbon. She was very shy back then; he could still almost feel the pull on his robes from where she clutched them and tried to hide her small body in their darkness. Up until that point she had only ever met one other person beside himself on the staff of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore. She had only come out of her "hiding place" in his robe when Dumbledore lured her out with candy. Even then she had a vicious sweet tooth. The day had been spent meeting the other teachers, Clarissa's favorite being Flitwig if he remembered correctly. He had been the only person she had ever met who was shorter then herself. Which to this day was still true. As far as height was concerned when it came to Clarissa many people both older and younger were very capable of being taller then her. She wasn't abnormally short by far, but she was still short enough to be easily considered what her friends deemed to be "Fun Size". Minerva upon meeting Clarissa had instantly swept her up; to this day he was sure they shared something of a grandmother, granddaughter relationship. He stopped at his desk and allowed his mind this moment to truly recall the events of that day after having met with Minerva. This was when things truly began to get interesting.

Flashback August fourth 1986

Tiny, wide eyed Clarissa was sitting in a chair that had been made taller so that she could reach the staff table in the Great Hall where the staff members on hand and herself were eating lunch. To her right sat Severus who was currently cutting the crust off her chicken salad sandwich before slicing it in fours and placing it in front of her. He didn't need to even glance up to know that the rest of the teachers were watching his interactions with Clarissa in a bemused sort of way. It was clear to everyone that Clarissa loved Severus and emitted a missing tooth smile whenever he glanced at her. At first glance however one would think Severus disliked the little girl as much as he disliked all of his students. Some however noticed the fine details of things, like right now for instance, Severus had cut up Clarissa's sandwich for her and was currently doing the same with an apple. He had long since filled her cup with juice and had yet to serve himself. He was clearly taking care of her before himself. Earlier when Albus had bribed the child with candy it could be clearly seen that Severus's first reaction was to say no, for whatever reason he had, but stopped once he caught sight of her happy now almost glowing face.

Then the doors to the Great hall opened and in limped a man in a tattered, grass stained, muddy teaching robe. He sat down on the left of Clarissa who stared up at him with curious eyes. It was Professor Silvanus Kettleburn, the care of magical creature's professor. The one armed, one legged, multiple missing fingers and toes man smiled happily down at Clarissa. His nose was awkwardly bent and his hair had singe marks, there was a multitude of scars littering every visible patch of skin on his body, and to Clarissa he was currently the most fascinating person in existence. "Hello there young miss…" he started "Is this seat taken?" he asked referring to the seat next to her. She nodded with a slight blush on her cheeks.

To Clarissa this man was normal compared to anyone else at the table. This man was like her. "And what is your name miss?" she didn't answer for a moment, still in awe of the man next to her. Then she found her voice "I'm Clarissa Brew…" Kettleburns eyes widened in shock and he quickly looked up to the other professors. Quickly meeting Snape's eyes, Severus was quick to 'Correct' Clarissa. "Trix" he quickly stated "Brewtrix, is Clarissa last name." he stared at Kettleburn with a fierce stare that quickly squashed any questions as to Clarissa's origins. Kettleburn clear his throat and once again smiled down at the young girl. "Yes, well…it is a pleasure to meet you young Brewtrix, I'm Professor Kettleburn, the…" Clarissa quickly cut him off "I know who you are! You're the professor for the Care of Magical Creatures Class!" He smiled and nodded before he started to help himself to lunch. As he began to eat he glanced over at Severus and caught him no longer staring at him, but blatantly glaring at him. Kettleburn grinned and leaned down ever so slightly to whisper in Clarissa's ear. "I'm Shay the Hawk by the way, kinship to Ireland's 2nd Haven and citizen of the United Kingdom Havens." Clarissa smiled brightly at him "I'm Valko the Wolf, kinship to the United Kingdoms Havens and citizen to the America's Havens."

Kettleburn grinned in triumph "I knew I new you from somewhere, no one could possibly forget a cute little face like yours." Clarissa blushed once more and released a happy giggle. Severus's head snapped up at the sound and he found himself once again glaring at Kettleburn. His job as Clarissa's guardian was to keep her safe, but the young child had still yet to truly grasp that and continued to talk to strangers even through she was told not to. Or at least tells them things she shouldn't. "Clarissa, how would you like to come down to my classroom and meet a few of the creatures and animals I care for?"

"I don't think that's wi…" Severus began "Can I?" Clarissa asked looking up at Severus with her wide amber eyes and bright missing tooth smile. "Can I please Severus?" he wanted to say no, he had seen how she reacted around all sorts of animals and creatures, and although he was positive Kettleburn new who she really was, he didn't want to give him more proof. It also seemed as through everyone was against him as well. "Let the girl go Severus." Could be heard from Minerva and was mimicked by the other professor's. They didn't need to convince him. He couldn't say no to those pleading happy eyes and missing tooth smile and found himself reluctantly agreeing on the terms that she finish her lunch and he go with her. Kettleburn was only too happy with this.

Finishing her lunch quickly she waited for the two older men to finish as well. Severus seemed to be taking his sweet time but before long he stood and gently lifted her from her chair and into his arms. It was very clear to everyone he was reluctant to let Clarissa go on her own. Most of the professors viewed this as over protectiveness, but in actuality it was also from sheer jealousy. Snape didn't like or appreciate when Clarissa was focused on anything or anyone other then him. He was selfish like that through he would never admit to it. With her firmly held in his arms he made his way with Kettleburn down to the CMC classroom. Kettleburn was enthusiastically talking with Clarissa about Chameleon Ghoul's and how in Kettleburns first year, one had snuck into the castle and as their nature suggest, pretended to be a suit of armor. "I lost my first finger to one of them." Silvanus said with a happy grin as Clarissa wore a giddy smile.

Upon entering the 'classroom' which was actually more of an area with desks and chairs in a collapsed part of the castle. Its walls were crumbling ruins and what was left of its windows was cracked and broken glass. There was no ceiling to speak of and grass covered the floor. In the corner of the 'classroom' was a large bird perch and perched upon it was an Augurey. The thin and mournful-looking bird somewhat resembling a vulture, greenish-black in color, it was native to Britain and Ireland. Normally remaining hidden in its nest in brambles and thorns, flying only in heavy rain. "Wicked." Clarissa said quietly as she squirmed out of Severus's arms and looked to Kettleburn. Kettleburn smiled and nodded to her "Its okay, go ahead Clarissa." Clarissa slowly approached the bird, more then aware that she was being cautiously watched by its beady black eyes. "Is that thing safe?" Severus asked watching Clarissa closely, just in case. "More then safe, the only things in this world that have to fear an Augurey are its food source."

Clarissa stopped a few feet away from the bird and waved to it "Hello" she started "I'm Clarissa, what's your name?" the bird tilted its head before releasing a soft chirp. "Cecily, it's a pleasure to meet you." Clarissa walked to one of the desk and pulled a chair over to Cecily's perch. "Do you mind if I sit with you awhile?" she asked before climbing up and sitting. Severus had yet to move from where he stood, his eyes transfixed on Clarissa whose eyes glowed with happiness. He knew that she had somewhat of a connection with animals and creatures, even beast, but he had never seen just interact with one before. "Does that…bird…actually understand her?" he asked Kettleburn who nodded with a grin. "And she can understand it?" Once again he nodded "She is a young only once ascended Guardian but she is half a Guardian none the less. Any animal, creature or beast would understand Clarissa, and she will understand them."

Severus finally turned to face Kettleburn "I've never really seen her interact with any type before; this is…interesting to say the least." Kettleburn smiled "A few friendly words of advice Severus, let her have a pet, it will greatly benefit her in the long run. Also study the Oculus Mutatio potion and start to brew it for Clarissa to take on a regular basis. As you are a potions master this should be no problem. You see her eyes are a dead give-away especially considering that amber is a very particular eye color that only very few select families of Guardians have. If you ask anyone who knows anything about Guardians and amber eyes the first family they will think of are the Brews. And the young Clarissa here has still yet to grasp her new last name." Severus thought the mans words over and filed the information about the potion away for use later. "What type of pet would you suggest?"

"Ask her, I'm sure she already has one or two in mind, but just hasn't asked." The two stood there awhile, simply watching Clarissa interact with the Augurey. "Raising a child let alone one like Clarissa is hard work." Kettleburn stated. "Hard work, yes, but it pays off everyday." Severus said just as Cecily released a loud screech making Clarissa jump off her chair and run over to Severus while saying goodbye. "Come on Severus, we had better go inside."

"You don't want to spend more time talking to…Cecily?" he asked clearly clueless to what was about to happen. "I do," Clarissa said in a rush "But I can't" and with that she ran around Severus, Kettleburn hot on her heels just as it began to down pour. "When an Augurey screeches it means its going to rain!" they called to Severus who was now rushing back inside behind them, slightly wet." Thank you both ever so much for the heads up." He grumbled causing Clarissa and Kettleburn to laugh. "I did say we should go inside, Goodbye Cecily!" Clarissa waved goodbye to the Augurey who was now well on its way into the Dark Forest. Turning to face Severus once more she smiled more brightly then ever and wrapped her arms as best she could around him" Thank you for bringing me with you today Severus." Suddenly Severus didn't care as much that he was slightly wet and Kettleburn was standing right behind him. A small gentle smile graced his face and he gently patted the top of Clarissa's head. "Think nothing of it Clarissa."

End Flashback

The next day Snape had brewed the Oculus Mutatio potion that turned Clarissa's eyes a normal shade of light brown and the two headed to Diagon Ally in search of a pet for her. She came home with two small twin eggs that hatched into the two small owls known as Flit and Fleeta. Snapping out of his walk down memory lane he turned his attention back to the older Clarissa that now sat in a sullen unsure state in his classroom. Not to unlike how she was when she was younger. He knew he would never shun or turn Clarissa away, she was one of the very few people he held dear and the thought of losing her…dare he say it…scared him as much as the thought of losing him scared Clarissa. Last night when she had run, it hurt him to think that perhaps she wasn't just running from Lupin, maybe she was running from him as well. These were not the things a thirteen year old girl should be dealing with and Severus promised himself that he would help her sort everything out with the utmost haste. That is what he was there for after all.

At the end of class, once everyone had been dismissed he calmly called out to Clarissa, "Ms. Brewtrix." She didn't look at him but straightened herself to acknowledge that she heard him. "Stay a moment will you." He wasn't asking her, this she knew, he made it clear that she was to stay. She had never wanted to run so badly. She didn't do this type confrontation, it wasn't her strong suite. But she stayed none the less, looking at the others leaving in longing. Samara stopped at the door and sent her a comforting smile, Clarissa saw it but it did little to comfort her.

Once everyone had left Severus flicked his wand every so slightly and the door closed, giving them some privacy. Clarissa heard the door close and she couldn't help the involuntary flinch it sent through her body. Without waiting another second Severus strode forward and pulled Clarissa into a hug that conveyed everything he was just incapable of expressing in words. She knew what this hug meant and simply fell into tears, knowing now that she hadn't lost him, that in his own way he still loved her, and he wasn't going to abandon her. Her hands reached up and tightly grasped his teaching robes, unable to stop crying at the moment. Clarissa for the first time in seven years reverted back to her younger self and simply clung to Severus. Seeking protection and comfort in his arms, wrapped in his everyday teaching robe. Severus said nothing, he just simply held her tightly in his arms, not knowing another way to truly comfort her other then this. But right now, this was all she needed.