Chapter 3:

*No One's POV*

One day in October, everyone is having today's breakfast. Everything's normal until an owl flies in and places a letter in front of the Potions professor.

This shocks not only him but also everyone around him.

"Servous Snape" was written across the front of the letter.

He quickly returns back to his usual self as he takes the letter before leaving the Main Hall.

Once safely hidden away in his office, Snape opens the letter to read what's inside.

"Professor Snape,

I know this has come as a shock to you, but I always liked you since my first year. The attraction was silly because you were my professor.

I did my hardest to forget you in that matter after I graduated, it actually worked, but that day when you enter into my shop, the old feelings resurface. Don't blame yourself, professor. It is my own fault.

Professor, what I am trying to say is...would you go out with me on a date?"

Servous's eyes widen in shock.

"My birthday is coming up and I'll be an adult, so you don't need to worry. All I ask is for one date to get to know each other better than professor/student. You can decide on whether or not we can go on a second date.

Sincerely,

Raven Nightshade"

Snape didn't know what to think. His favorite student just asked him out? On a date? So many questions are running through his head.

Throughout the day, students and colleagues notice him a bit off from his usual behavior. Sure, he's keeping his image of being this cold, distant Potions master, but there's something else on his mind.

Dumbledore requests for Snape to meet with him in his office to discuss this strange behavior.

"You wish to speak to with me, Headmaster?" he speaks in his usual tone as he enters into the Headmaster's office.

"Awe, yes, Severus," Dumbledore greets him with a smile from his desk. "It has come to my attention and everyone else's that you have been acting strange today. Was there something in the letter you received this morning?" he asked.

Knowing that he cannot lie to his friend, Snape takes a deep breath to explain, "Raven Nightshade asked me out on a date."

"Awe! Little Raven!" Dumbledore grins, remembering her. "She's your best student. A Slytherin Perfect in her fifth year and became Head Girl in her last year," he remembers some memories of her.

"Yes, I know, but she's my student and I'm her professor," Snape explains his point of view.

"Did she offer a time to go on this date?"

"Yes, after she turned eighteen."

"She's giving you respect by giving you a time after she turns the legal age."

"True, but I never thought of anything more than student/professor relationship with Raven."

Dumbledore thinks about the two sides of this situation. He already knew about the young woman's developing feelings over the years with her former professor and knew that her feelings are forbidden due to their age. Now that Raven will be becoming to the legal age might as well try to see if there's a possibility of a future.

"Why don't you accept her offer?" he says with a smile, walking over to his side.

"What?" Snape's surprised.

"I know that Raven looks a lot like Lily, your love, with black hair, pale skin, and midnight blue eyes, but she's a good young woman with a promising future. Just give her a chance," Dumbledore places a hand on Snape's shoulder. "Maybe she can restore your heart. You are dismissed."

Snape nods his head before turning to leave.

*Raven's POV*

My eighteenth birthday is growing near and days after I sent the letter to Professor Snape. I knew that he's not going to response any time soon because I used to be his student. That's the reason why.

My dresses are layout on my bed spread out next to each other. Tonks and her family are taking me out for my birthday dinner as they did for years now, so I've decided to figure out what to wear for the special occasion.

An owl than flies into my room with a letter in his feet. At first, I thought it would be like from Tonks's parents or Tonks herself, but when I see the handwriting, my heart skips a beat. Professor Snape's writing.

I open the letter and the message appears before me.

"Miss Nightshade,

This is indeed a shock for me to hear that a former student of mine will ask me out on a date.

Listen, I don't usually do this courting thing daily, but you were my favorite student in your years at Hogwarts. So I accept your offer of going on a date, only to see how things go between us. Don't get your hopes up if there will be a future right away.

Do you remember where Hogsmeade is? There's a Hogsmeade weekend before Christmas. Maybe you and I can go to Three Broomsticks? Hmm, sounds good?

Professor Snape"

The corners of my lips curl up into a smile as I read the message. Maybe I can have the future that I always dream of.