Chapter 24

Enola skipped down the empty corridor before pushing open a door, accidentally slamming it against the wall.

"How many times must I say it? Stay out of the dungeons, Miss Dumbledore!"

"And, how many times must I say it? Stop calling me Miss Dumbledore, Mr. Snape! You're not my teacher... Well, not yet!"

Severus groaned softly as he turned away from facing the door, returning his attention back to the boiling substance in the cauldron. It wasn't so much that he disliked the almost 10-year-old standing in the doorway. It was mostly because there was a small, ringing bell in the back of his head that rang when she was around. The fact she was so familiar continued to bother him.

Oh, and the fact he disliked young children like herself was why he did not approach the child as the others did.

"Well, Miss Dumbledore, this is no place for children. So I ask you nicely to leave."

Enola frowned angrily, crossed her arms and stood firm. This was the 7th time in the past week that the young protegé went into dungeons to try to understand Severus better only to be kicked out. You see, Enola was curious. He was so... moody, un-accepting, judgmental and dark in comparison to the other teachers. Why was he so different? Why wasn't he as curious about her as everyone in the wizarding world seemed to be? Well, tomorrow's my birthday and I can a least try to get to know him. He doesn't seem that bad.

"Whatcha making?"

"None of your business."

"Is that a hard potion to make?"

"That isn't the potion's name, you ignorant girl!"

"Then what is it?"

"It is a blood-replenishing potion."

"Oh... Why do you need something like that, Mr. Snape?"

"It is not for me. It is incase a student is unintelligent enough to get hurt while here. I am currently restocking our supplies before the students return."

"...Do you like teaching, Mr. Snape?"

"Not really."

"Why do you do it then?"

Severus paused his stirring to look at the girl. She was now kneeling on a stool to his left, trying to peer into the cauldron. For a moment, he forgot the bells and his dislike and found himself almost smiling. She is so much like Lily.

In fact, Enola's curiosity and genuine interest in the unseen, misunderstood 'underdogs' mirrored that of Lily's. However, Severus knew this child was not in relation to her. She was much too different in looks and Severus knew as well as Albus that this child had deep, strong magic that Lily had not possessed. Severus' sweeter thoughts snapped and melted away as he remembered Lily was gone, which was rather quickly, and he turned back to the potion.

"I teach because I must."

"I'm not getting the real answer, am I? That's ok. I understand. Somethings aren't meant to be shared."

An actually comfortable silence fell onto Severus and Enola. She watched him as he worked and bustled around. It was the first time she had seen potion brewing. Minnie had let her watch some transfiguration spells; Filius some charms; Hagrid (obviously dangerous) magical creatures; even Sybill attempted to read her future. But, never had Enola seen Severus' expertise of magic before. To the little girl, it was fascinating how quickly he moved about, not even looking at a recipe as he sliced and dumped and minced and stirred and waved his wand.

"Mr. Snape?"

"Yes? What is it? Didn't I tell you to leave?"

"Why, yes you did. However, I have taken to disregarding that command as I see no reason I am not allowed to watch you. I was going to ask you something-"

"Well, what is it then?"

"How'd you get so good at making potions? It seems so easy for you."

"Years of practice."

"Did you go to Hogwarts as a kid?"

"Yes."

"Did you like potions class?"

"Yes."

"Was it your favorite subject?"

"Yes."

"Do you think I'll be any good at it?"

"... One can never be too sure if they are successful at making potions until one tries it."

"Can I try it? Right now?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"You are a child. This is far too advanced beyond your age or capabilities."

"But you just said one can never be too sure until they try. That doesn't have anything to do with age."

Severus sighed in frustration. He did not mind when she had sat quietly and watched him work but this was rather annoying.

"Why is it you continually wish to bother me? I have work to do."

"I like you. You're interesting," said Enola, bluntly and honestly.

Well, there is a first for everything. Thought Severus, bemused by the simple statement from the small child.

"You know, I could help if you taught me," said Enola, slyly, "Once you'd teach me a few potions, I could take care of them."

"No."

"But, Mr. Snape-"

"Miss Dumbledore, if you continue to badger me, I will throw you personally out the door and will never allow you down here again."

You'd have to let me in when I'm your student... Enola thought as she returned to silence and watching Severus work. Despite that she had been watching him before, Severus felt a sudden irritation, like a scratch you can't quite reach.

Putting the stirring ladle down, he turned to the girl.

"If you want to learn, read."

The potions professor walked briskly over to the shelf and returned with a worn-out book. Putting it in front of Enola, he started to make a new potion since the other just needed to simmer.

"But, Mr. Snape-"

"Just call me Severus or sir. This 'Mr. Snape' nonsense is very irritating."

"Severus, what if I come across a word I don't know or understand or can't read?"

The potions professor looked up in surprise.

"You don't know how to read?"

"Well, sir, I only know a little bit. Remus was teaching me but now..."

A tinge, just a tinge, of pity was felt in the chest of Severus Snape. He couldn't imagine his childhood without being able to read.

He hated children.

He hated questions.

He hated company.

He hated curiosity.

But, for the love of God, he couldn't hate this little girl who sat next to him; asking questions, giving him company, being curious.

"If you run into trouble, ask for help. If I feel like it, perhaps I will assist you."

Enola smiled before straightening her glasses and starting to read from the first page.

And thus, Enola thought, I have broken into the wall at long last. I suddenly understand why kids are viewed as annoying brats. Huh, oh well. Point, Enola! Enola 1, Snape 6...

Author's Note

Hi everyone! Thank you to those who reviewed and favorited AND followed! Super sorry I haven't updated in sooooooooo long! If it seems like this chapter and the last one kinda seem like filler, it's because they are. I'm suffering from major writers block and paired with lack of time, it's not pretty. Until we reach 1st year, it's going to seem like random times of Enola's 10 year old year plopped down in writing. It'll show some character growth and achievements, perhaps some more relationship strengthening but, really, nothing incredibly important or interesting unless (if by a miracle) my creativity sparks up. Don't worry though, I have a ton of ideas set for the school years. Especially years 3+ I've got some great ideas for that time period. So, I guess I'm just asking to stick with me as I suffer... Just kidding! I'm not suffering but, seriously, I pinky swear the action will pick up once Enola and Harry and Ron (etc, you get the picture) go to school.

Thanks again and have a nice day!

MickieD2468