Oh boy most of this does not belong to me. The characters I'm borrowing' from Miss J K Rowling. The plot twists and occasional lines are being borrowed from Austen and Maybe one of the Bronte sisters. The only thing that belongs to me is the original characters.

At first, Claudia began quietly, I thought it was love, but really it's not. It was because you filled a lonesomeness that I didn't grasp existed. I spent most of my childhood in the confines of my dorm area; I had little to do with clubs or friends. In fact you are the only proper friend I've had in a long time. I hope you forgive me. I guess some of the things I've said in the past days were out of malice, but some of it's the truth. Well, I will leave it at that, as you know my feelings on the subject.

Thank you, Hermione whispered to the girl.

It was morning on Sunday. They were all in the kitchen, Ron, Mr. and Mrs. Bell, Hermione and Claudia. Claudia and Hermione were just finishing up a conversation they had started in the wee hours of the morning, when both could not sleep. They were both plagued with uncertainties and nightmares that night. They also wanted to resolve some issue's that could if ignored, destroyed their friendship.

Are you two talking about me? Ron asked huffily, lifting his head from where it rested on the table.

Why yes Ron, we always talk about you. No, I'm afraid not everything is about you. Anyways it's not very polite to keep you head on the table like that. You'll get hair in your coffee and I'm not making another batch. If you're that tired why just don't you just go back to bed? You are of no use as you are now, Hermione scolded.

Hermione, you sound like my mother. Anyways I can't go back to bed. I hurt all over, that mattress has done me in. It's too soft! I'm up I promise. So when is Harry getting here because I'd definitely would like to go out to dinner with you two. On him of course, Ron joked smiling.

Ron now that he had his own income eased up on the sensitivity of the money situation. Still he liked to evade picking up the bill.

I don't think I can go out Ron, all the money my parents sent me is almost gone and I really wanted to pick up some new jeans! You know how it is, Hermione stated.

Hermione! Why did you tell us you were broke! After all the help you've given us over the years it's nothing! Listen Hermione, I'll pay for you dinner and I'll go shopping with you. How about that? It's on me, my treat.

Oh the art of subtlety. How do I miss thee, Claudia groaned into her coffee mug.

Don't pay attention to her Ron, she's no good until her coffee sinks in.

Ron blushed, realizing his mistake. He had forgotten what it was like to have things offered to him. How much he loathed taking certain things from people. To only take out of necessity and feel vulnerable because you couldn't provide it for yourself. To fell belittled because you couldn't do things those others could with ease because you just didn't have enough money. He had forgotten the hurt from that with his newly found paychecks. He found the familiar blush creeping upon him, overtaking his senses.

Think of it as an early birthday gift, He added, For the birthdays we missed together.

Hermione seemed to deliberate on this for a while. She was modest by far, she never really wanted much aside from new books. She knew she needed some new jeans though. She cursed herself for mentioning it though. It was not as if she was poor but she always though the decaying state of her jeans could wait while she went off to purchase some new and exciting book. Books lasted longer than jeans and gave her more pleasure as well. She'd rather shop thrift stores for clothing than buy new anyways. Just like how she preferred the musty decaying smell of old books to new.

She could always probably get a little more money out of her parents, but she knew that nothing would change financially when she did get out of college. She knew her survival in the world, even though she had prior experiences, would be quite difficult. She just couldn't decide what to do for a living. Her greatest fear was she would be stuck in a minimal paying job, with all the education behind her, that she didn't like. No, her mind was never at ease when it came to leaving the school, but then again she did have another two years. She was sure she could find something to do within two years. Rather, she hoped that she could find something to be.

Being though for some these days were rather hard. Claudia watched her mother scrabbling for all her belongings around noon, forgetting the morning conversations. She had known about her mother's childhood through the pensieves that were stored in that cupboard. Her father had lead her to them one late afternoon when she was old enough to know what they were, how they were used, and that they contained some of the most horrific things her mother experienced. He had hoped Claudia would be able to understand her mother better as she had no problems understanding him. It was essentially her own fault for asking how her mother had gotten to be so daft.

Claudia almost felt sorry for the woman who had vexed her so greatly within the week. She didn't feel sorry for the miserable childhood though, she felt sorry for the woman who wanted to deny it. She felt sorry that the woman had wanted to forget the pain, along with the joy and even some of the intimacy that accompanied it. Perhaps she had also forgotten that she was not alone. That was what distressed Claudia the most. Claudia, even though she was alone, could never bear to take the melancholy away from her childhood, well her later childhood. If she could have shared the unfortunate sadness with someone else as her mother had, she would never have considered what her mother had done. She would never wish them to be alone with the exasperating grief and ruthlessness of the situation her mother must have felt.

Her mother's things were all in the front area when the door opened, slowly, to reveal a young man not incredibly tall but not short either. He had messy black hair, brilliant green eyes and a scar. The scar looked like a fissure, as if his skin were to split in two. How could she not know who it was? She felt very sorry for the boy who looked exceedingly introverted in these circumstances. He looked as if he wanted to crawl under a rock to her. The extraordinarily brave Harry Potter looked as meek as the mouse before standing erect no less than 10 feet in front of her. He looked as if he recovered his spine a bit.

Sorry um, is Hermione here? Harry asked.

Yes, she's in the kitchen with Ron. Please to meet you, I'm Claudia.

She handed her hand to him. He eased and smiled back. She could sense a kindred spirit of sorts in him. He shook it but not one of those I'm compensating for my horribly inadequate penis size' hand shakes. Well at least he now seemed more composed. Perhaps a false analysis of when he first came in.

She had now shown him to the kitchen, where the inhabitants looked up from whatever they were doing. Hermione and Ron wore expression of glee on their faces. Claudia's father had an indecipherable expression on his face, while her mother had the most shaken expression. That quickly changed to anger in a short period of time. Her mother pressed her lips in a thin line eyeing the boy, who was blushing under the situation.

Hermione made some sort of remark as to how well Harry had looked. Harry's eyes though never left the loathsome expression worn by Mrs. Bell. He did not know why the woman was so annoyed by his mere presence. It reminded him a lot of someone It hit him as to her relations. There was something about he cold dead eyes, the pale skin and the raven hair that gave it away. He immediately felt some compassion towards the woman's hatred. He had long since forgotten to hate the family. It wasn't important to keep the childish grudge alive. He felt rather sorry for the fact that it happened. He couldn't change that. He wanted to, he wished he could, but he couldn't.

Claudia, Your not allowing him to stay here are you? Her mother hissed.

Yes mother, I am. I'm sorry, is there a reason I shouldn't? Claudia asked at her mother's peculiar behavior.

If I find that you have laid a finger, or say anything in a mean spirited sort of way to my daughter I will have your head. That is a promise; I will no longer allow a Potter to get away with any sort of unkind action towards my family, ever again. She sneered.

All eyes were on the two now. Her husband who muttered apologies to the boy and others now dragged the older woman out of the room. Soon enough all of their belongings along with themselves were removed from the house. They left behind two people glancing at Harry with an attentive but shaken expression on their faces. Claudia gave a startled glare, but at the same time didn't look like it was a good idea to pursue the subject. She after all had never seen her mother so grave as that. She had seen her mother upset but never angry. She didn't think it was possible at all.

Somehow this boy caused a new emotion to be seen. An emotion she only had seen in Pensieves, the only emotion that was constantly being hidden by her mother. Yet it boiled over due to the sight of this person.

Blimy Harry, what was that? Ron asked.

I'm not exactly quite sure. It doesn't matter, how are all of you? Harry asked trying to avoid the subject.

Hermione's mind clicked. She knew what it was about, and was appalled by Mrs. Bell's outrage. She seemed like a nice stable woman. She didn't think the woman capable of blind prejudice towards people she didn't know! Hermione now had a poor opinion of the woman, who was in reality, she decided, was much like her brother. She was just someone hiding behind a sort of mask. At least though she knew that whole family wasn't bad eggs. Claudia and Cassius were very outgoing stable people, she thought. Even if Claudia would disagree with someone saying she was outgoing. Hermione brought herself back into the conversation before Ron was telling them they were going out. Claudia was invited as well. Hermoine walked out of the kitchen after Ron.

Harry on the other hand felt himself being pulled backward towards the relation of Snape's. She had different eyes, not as obvious as her mother. There was though, and intensity about her that was similar. There was fire behind those eyes.

What I would like to know is why would a woman who has never said a harsh word and meant it suddenly spouting phrases of anger? Could you please fill me in on what that was all about, Claudia whispered urgently.

Harry sighed.

How much older or younger is your mother to Professor Snape? He said thinking about the title he should use.

My uncle, She started sensing the hesitancy on a title Is two years younger than my mother.

That explains it better. She had to have known about his stay at Hogwarts. She probably witnessed it all. Dreadful, I hope she's not returning anytime this week. This is not good at all. Why in the world did Hermione not tell me?

What the hell was that? Claudia demanded.

To put it bluntly, your uncle was pretty much tortured and humiliated by my father and his friends. Really I've never seen someone so dedicated to their family.

He didn't say anything else, as he had left the room. Claudia sat followed in a few seconds. What she really wanted to do is sit and assess the whole information she was just given. Perhaps there was more to her cynical uncle than she though. She had always figured he was just a lonely grumpy man before, but perhaps there was something else. Maybe it wasn't loneliness at all. She was not sure what to think of the man anymore. He had merely been a fixture at occasional family gatherings during the holidays. Now she found that she had more sympathy for him. Not because of him being harassed by other students, like a poor puppy kicked too many times, turning viscous. No, it was because she understood perfectly what it felt to be an outsider, mocked for what was beyond your control. She imagined if he was at school anything like the boy in the pensieves She shivered at the recollection of the memories she had seen.

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And do your parents know about this little liaison? He asked coolly.

Draco scoffed at the use of the word, making it sound like some taboo love of sorts. It was ludicrous how the man could turn any situation into an uncomfortable and awkward one with just a question. He was overdramatic in his own ways, always talking to people as if they were idiot first years. The man could be trying on ones poor nerves.

No sir, I imagine I do not wish my father into an early grave, nor my mother into madness. Then again I believe the rest of her children have already done that, the girl joked.

Draco saw a smile play on the other mans lips. It was the first time in a good while. No he enjoyed whatever wit the girl did possess. Draco was very proud of her, not many would have the fire or the cunning to stand up to their former professor. She was amazing and only a year younger than him, as well. She was perfectly flawed to him. Her face lightly dusted with freckles, the way her hair fell occasionally over her eyes. No she was not some gorgeous creature, but she was very attractive to him.

Some would say the attraction was only a temporary fad for them. A type of rebellion for lovers. They both knew that was not it as it had started in mid September, when she hit him. Anyone would have been mortified to learn of it, but he loved that she had a spine. She had done this when he was mocking her family of course. A sport he had developed during his earlier school days. Though unlike her brothers she actually knew how to throw a punch correctly. It was an odd beginning but soon they were stuck on the same quidditch team for the university. She of course was a seeker as she had the build for it. He was made a keeper. After a few long discussions he had asked her out, she reluctantly agreed. Ever since then they had grown on each other.

Now they sat at the dinner table with Severus. Draco had informed the girl that the usually irate potions master was very different in his own home. He was not irate most of the time, often cold and depressing but hardly ever irate. He was in a very surly mood today that was for sure. Perhaps he detested the idea of eating with a former student that was not once his ward. Maybe it was the long letter he had received that morning, Draco was never sure of what put him in his moods.

Now Miss Weasley, do you keep in touch with Miss Granger often? Severus asked.

Not as much as I should I assure you, unfortunately we are both busy with school to write lengthy letter to each other. We are still friendly and do occasionally see each other. Although we are friends we were never the best of friends, Ginny replied.

Hmm, well I have seen her of late, and wondered if she mentioned of any attachment she might have currently, He stated.

Ginny dropped her fork at that ambiguous statement. Was he asking what she thought he was asking? Ginny was beyond shocked to what she assumed the former professor was hinting at. It would not be entirely out of the realm of possibilities, but certainly made the list of her things she will probably never hear.'

For you see, He added quickly, realizing his error, She has befriended my niece whom inadvertently introduced her to my brother. I just hoped the girl could be talked out of an attachment I'm afraid I can only assume has formed. I try to prevent him from ruining too many lives, you see.

It made more sense now to Ginny, but yet couldn't help but feel a little saddened. She felt sorry for this man who now sat next to her. He lost all his intimidating presence he once had. No she now saw him for what she could only assume was the real him. He was not some vindictive man as he appeared in the classroom. He was very much human. He seemed almost painfully human. She realized he was more than likely lonely, only kept sane by the necessary interactions at his work. She wondered what it was like to have such a solitary life. She couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy. She did her best to hide it though; she knew he wouldn't tolerate it.

Draco sipped on the dry white wine in front of him, rolling his eyes. He knew the attachment on Severus's part came quick but then again he probably already knew more about Hermione than she did of him. Yet he would continue to insist that this little interest was only due to a sense of obligation towards the unlucky receiver of Cassius Snape's affections. He was utterly and completely impossible. Draco had no idea how he was going to get the man alone with the girl long enough to have a deep conversation. All he knew is that if it wasn't remedied with one long conversation than there was no hope for the man. Severus would ultimately see that and move on. For some reason though, the man's stubborn will still hung on to the notion of Hermione Granger, even if he didn't know it.

No doubt Draco will want you to come. Seeing I would find it much more pleasant to have some sort of intelligent conversation at the party, I also would not mind you tagging along, Severus stated coldly.

Now Draco had missed that part. He wondered if Ginny had missed the compliment in that statement, as you could never take anything the man said for face value.

Thank you sir, I would be glad to go. Of course I will need a costume, but that shall not be a problem. I'm sure we have some of my deceased relations things in the Attic. My mother tends to become too attached to these sorts of things throw them out. She keeps thinking they will be of some use, Ginny stated.

If not than I'm sure I could find you some things. There are too many items left from the past in this house, I could do with removing some of them permanently, Severus sneered.

Ginny nodded to the statement. Draco had finally caught up on the subject they were talking about. Oh how he detested balls, he had been to several since he was a child. Everyone was so incredibly happy and false about everything. The women tended to want to one up each other in their dress. He thought about how the guests were always some fake rich people of high esteem. Ugh, he figured this ball would be no different. At least Ginny would be there.

My sister insists on having it a costume ball, I would prefer a small party if anything. Perhaps though it is acceptable for this anniversary, Severus stated.

Draco seemed to think this conversation to be going in circles. It was surprising how the conversation just hadn't died out by now. How boring it was to talk about a ball being organized by someone's sister. A sister whose daughter was friends with Miss Granger. Oh now the wheels began to turn in Draco Malfoys head. He had an idea and hoped the niece was as quick and cunning as he was. It was going to make for an interesting time at the ball. Now what he had to do is plan it.

Silence now took over the room as the two other in the room had stopped conversing. Their eyes rested on Draco. Ginny looked thoroughly annoyed with him. Severus held the same stoic façade that he had come to expect from the man, while in company anyways.

Ginny drawled in an annoyed manner, Have you even heard a word this whole time?

Don't bother Miss Weasley, his skull gets thicker every summer, Severus jabbed.

I'm sorry didn't quite catch that last bit, He replied giving a weak smile.

I had just asked if the two of you would join me here for Christmas. Of course if you have other engagements I understand, but I don't believe I will stay at the school this holiday. It puts me in a foul mood the way they try to raise' my spirits. Really trying on ones nerves, Severus stated.

Oh yes of course, I wouldn't mind that at all. That is if Ginny doesn't mind, Draco added sweetly.

She was in a foul mood now. There was no denying it. He had embarrassed her by being rather daft about the whole conversation. If there was one way to get her in a bad mood it was to embarrass her. He hoped to make it up to her before the end of the evening. He wanted to enlist her in talking some sense into Miss Granger, thus making his summers a bit more pleasant.

Of course I don't mind, anyways I need an excuse to escape the madness that takes place on Christmas. Unfortunately Fred and George tend to bring along their most successful new inventions for us to try Of course without us knowing it, Ginny sighed.

They were quite a handful I must say I don't think I have yet to meet more troublesome students, Severus reflected frowning, I must say Miss Weasley you were a joy to have in class compared to your brothers.

Draco knew that was a very good sign. Since Severus had become a father like figure in the past few years Draco always looked for approval from him. With him so at ease with Ginny he knew he approved. Otherwise he would have sent the girl into tears by now. There was something reassuring in that fact.

At the end of the night Draco had sealed the letter and addressed it. He was very grateful for the amusement he had this summer. Previous summers he had been bored out of his wits. His daily life consisted of mostly of reading, infesting small café's in New York (he had a Achilles' heel for the atmosphere) for a good hour or two of the day, and sleeping. Not much went on other than that. Now it seems his social life, and social scheming had picked up at a brisk pace. He sent the letter he had finished off, praying that the girl had some common sense. He also hopped she was nothing like her mother, as he had met Isabella once. He had no real desire to meet anyone that joyful ever again. She was worse than a Hufflepuff he decided.

With that thought, Draco put out the lights in the room and retired to his bed.

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A/N: I think this is the last chapter to seal up some of the gaps that would occur in the future. I'm not sure what will come next though, I might have one more part before the ball scene (still have not decided if I should cut it or not) or I might have the ball scene. Either way it'll be up before next week. BTW almost done re-reading OoTP for the 2nd time (my sister is on her third). Mother also succumbed to reading the HP series. Over all, good week for fandom.

Lily of the Shadow- Thanks for the encouragement.

Mystic Werewolf- I also need to brush up on some of my other Austen novels aside from P&P. Luckily my friend will be lending me (hopefully) Mansfield Park, Nothenger Abby, and Sense and Sensibility.

Harmonia- Yes I have started reading your fic the other day. It's very well written. I liked Jane Erye a lot, but my favorite Bronte was always the dark Emily. XD I'm always drawn to the wickedly tragic in fiction, and you can't get much more wicked than Heathcliff.