I didn't know where I was going or why, but I knew that I had to get out. I shoved open the gigantic doors of the castle and hesitated for only a moment at the sight of the torrential rain falling outside. I walked out into it, down the steps, and onto the soggy grounds. I paused and lifted my face up to the sky. Drops of rain beat down on me and stung my skin. My robes were soaked, but I didn't care. If he got to be reckless, why shouldn't I? Impulsively, I headed toward the Forbidden Forest. My feet seemed to be disconnected from my brain. They simple led me forward across the grass and I followed. In my mind I was repeating the lines of Aunt Agnes' note over and over.

Meta,

In case you care, (which you probably don't) I regret to inform you that my dear brother and your beloved father has been killed. There was an argument with a goblin and he has been murdered.

In any case, enjoy the rest of your day.

Sincerely,
Agnes P. Cockerham


Aunt Agnes. I always hated her. I hated my father, but she hated him even more, and she always acted like she loved him more than anything in the world. It made me want to vomit when she would kiss up to my Father and then, as soon as his back was turned would make a face of contempt.

"She only wanted his money," I grumbled to myself. "Well, now she's got it, no doubt."

As I said this I realized that I was standing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. I stood there for a moment, with half a mind to step in and see what would happen to me, but a voice called out my name.

"Miss Cockerham!"

I jumped and slowly turned around. Standing in front of me was a completely dry Professor Snape. He had a strange look on his face, I almost thought it looked like worry.

"Mr. Polley told me you would be out here. He said you have received a letter," Snape said.

"Yes." I suddenly felt very cold. I attempted to pull my robes tighter to my body for warmth, but as they were soaking wet, it didn't have much effect.

"Evaparo!" Snape called out, his wand pointed at me. Suddenly I was completely dry and warm again, and no raindrops were hitting me. It was as if an invisible umbrella was over me. "Let's get you back to the castle," Snape said, and uncharacteristically put his hand on my shoulder and gently coaxed me back up towards the castle. After a few steps he let his hand fall and we walked in silence, side by side, but about a foot between us.

When we were back inside the castle doors Professor Snape said,

"Well, it seems that classes have already started," motioning toward the empty Great Hall. "But given your circumstances, I'm sure you are excused from your classes today. Polley will get your assignments for you, no doubt."

"Yes," I said numbly. Snape nodded and began to walk away. "Wait!" I called out. "Sir, could I speak with you for a moment?" He looked surprised but nodded again and motioned for me to follow him to his office. We walked to the dungeons in an awkward silence once again. I watched the back of his head intently as we went along through the dimly lit corridors, as if I would be able to read his mind if I stared hard enough.

"Have a seat," he said, pointing to a chair as we entered his office. He sat down as well and crossed his arms over his chest, but this time not to appear menacing, but simply out of habit.

"I know I should be sad," I began timidly, "But I'm not." When Snape didn't say anything I went on, staring at my hands in my lap. "He was my father after all, that should mean something, shouldn't it? But I'm not sad... I'm angry." Silence from Snape, so I continued. "I'm angry at him, because now I'll probably have to live with my wretched aunt Agnes, who's possibly more loathsome than my father!" I said angrily. "All because he probably made some shifty 'business' deal like he usually does. And worst of all, they're going to bury him next to my mother, I just know it! The very man who drove her to-to do what she did, resting by her for all eternity." I looked up at Snape. "I just wanted to talk to you because, well, I thought you might understand." His silence had made me feel very sheepish.

"Yes," he said standing up and fidgeting unconciously with some books on his bookshelf. "I do understand."

I couldn't see his face well because hiss office was dimly lit, but it seemed to me that he was facing some sort of inner turmoil.

"Let me be honest, Miss Cockerham. I don't want to like you," he said, avoiding my eyes. "I've tried very hard, in fact, to hate you. You stole my mother's diary, read it, called me disgusting--"

"Oh, Professor! I feel awful about that!"

"Never mind. That doesn't matter," he said. "The thing is, I don't hate you. I rather, like you," he said softly, making a funny grimace. "And what you are saying about your father, that's exactly how I felt about my father when he died."

Snape liked me! "Wh- when did your father die?" I managed to say, though my face was burning and my hands trembling.

"When I was nineteen. He was an old man already by then. My mother had died a few years earlier, but she was still so young. I guess living with him had prematurely aged her." He was staring into space, no doubt reliving many terrible memories.

"I'm sorry," I whispered.

"I'm the one who should be sorry," Snape said almost apologetically. "You are the one who's father just died."

"But..." I said, "For some reason I feel relieved. Is that sick?" I looked pleadingly into his face.

"No! No, it's not sick." He cautiously walked over to my chair and crouched down next to it. I looked down at him. I felt so nervous. For a foolish moment I wondered if my hair looked alright. "It will take you quite some time to even begin to forgive and understand your father." His face was very close to mine, and he was looking up at me very, very intently. "But don't let yourself become bitter and hard," he said quietly. "Like me," he whispered.

"Professor!" I whispered and impulsively threw my arms around his neck. He made a surprised sound but put his arms around me as well. I let go of him and and got out of my chair. He stood up again as well.

"There is hope for you still," I said, and leaned up and kissed him on the cheek.

As quickly as I could I turned around and swept out of the room, leaving Snape standing in his office with a very confused and shocked look on his face.