Chapter Thirteen

Val sighed as she closed the door of her office behind Ron after their talk. She'd tried to be sympathetic and see both sides of the situation, but in the end she had to be honest with him.

Ron, I don't really see the problem. If Harry is good enough to be your best friend, then he should be fine as Ginny's boyfriend. I think she has good taste, and she knows what she's doing. Harry would never intentionally hurt your sister, and who knows, he may even be your brother someday. Now get out, let your sister and Harry live their own lives, and enjoy yourself with Hermione.

She'd ushered him out the door as soon as their short conversation was finished. A huge pile of Charms essays awaited her attention, and she'd assigned detention to a couple of third year Slytherins for a prank they'd played on a Gryffindor girl in her class. She raised her hand and rubbed her temples in a circular motion.

Great, now she had a headache, and she was almost out of her potion. Val didn't have several of the ingredients that she needed to make another batch. She needed to go to Hogsmeade and visit the apothecary to replenish her Potions ingredients, but for now a trip to the Hospital Wing would be in order. Val locked and warded her office door and headed down the hall. She entered the infirmary and scanned the room for a sign of Poppy. As the door closed behind her the mediwitch came out of the storeroom.

What can I do for you Professor? she asked.

Val smiled and replied, Please call me Val, and I could use some headache potion. I've run out of my personal supply and I don't have the necessary ingredients at the moment to make more.

Poppy smiled back. Well, that happens to be one of the potions that I'm out of, but Severus is brewing a new batch as we speak. If you go by his laboratory I'm sure he'd be happy to give you some. You can tell him that I sent you.

Val's smile faltered. She had to go visit Snape in the dungeon! They hadn't spoken since the first day of classes. Okay, thank you for your help. Val left the Hospital Wing and proceeded down the stairs into the dungeons where Snape's classroom and laboratory were located.

Gathering her resolve, Val raised her fist and rapped on the door to his office. After receiving permission to enter, she pushed the door in to reveal an empty room containing a large desk and shelves of various jars and supplies. To the left was an open doorway which she presumed was the lab.

Val shut the door behind her and continued into the next room, where she found Snape with his back to her, bending over a large simmering cauldron. She watched with fascination as he stirred the mixture and added several ingredients using precise, and surprisingly graceful, movements. Once this process was complete he turned around, brushing his hair out of his face as he observed his visitor.

To what do I owe the honor of this visit, Professor? he asked silkily, smirking at her as she raised her chin and returned his stare.

Poppy sent me to see if the headache potion that she requested is complete. I require some, she said defensively.

Of course, he replied and moved to a side cabinet to retrieve the bottled potion. It was a simple request really. Even Longbottom could make this potion. Shoving the potion into her hands, he turned around to move back to the table where the cauldron sat. Now you must excuse me so I can complete this potion, he said almost absentmindedly as he added another ingredient and adjusted the height of the flames underneath the cauldron.

Val was undeniably curious. What was he brewing? Forgetting her headache, she moved closer to the Potions master. Peering over his shoulder, she asked, What are you making?

Snape flinched. Apparently he'd expected her to leave, not move closer to him. It's not any of your business, Professor, nor do I have time to discuss my project with you. Now kindly leave so I can work in peace.

Irritated at his attitude and his evasive answer, Val scowled at his back. Thank you for the headache potion, Professor Snape, she said stiffly before stalking out of his laboratory and slamming the door to his office behind her.

As soon as she was gone Snape sank into the nearest chair, cradling his head in his hands and resting his elbows on his knees. Why did he treat her like that? He had to admit that he was attracted to the woman, but she'd been awfully cozy with Wood the past few weeks. He had no chance, a plain former Death Eater fifteen years her senior, compared to an handsome companion her own age. He just hoped that when they got married they wouldn't expect him to attend the wedding. He shuddered as he had a sudden vision of being named godfather to their first child. He'd be overrun with little Gryffindor brats!

Grimacing at the thought, Snape rolled up the left sleeve of his robe and stared at the Dark Mark emblazoned on his forearm. It was a tangible reminder of exactly why he would never have a successful relationship. I probably won't survive spying for Dumbledore, anyway. Voldemort will kill me first' he thought ironically. That's why I don't bother with making friends or falling in love. My demise is inevitable.' The hiss of the potion bubbling over the side of the cauldron reclaimed Snape's attention, and he resumed his position and his concentration on the task at hand.