IX
Well, apparently I am on a bit of a role. MY real life work is falling away as Cassandra and Snape take over. Once again, only Miss Caliga is mine ( lucky, lucky me!!!) and the rest belong to beloved JK Rowling. I am once again, simply a Harry Potter Fan in love with a Slytherin Man!!
"Well, there is still the matter of her nearly starving herself to death, Severus" Albus popped a lemon drop into his mouth, then continued " Poppy said she hadn't seen anything that bad before, not even Potter."
Snape felt an involuntary twitch in his left nostril at the mention of Harry Potter, and then remembered all the hideous things he had been informed of over the last year about how the boy was treated by his family. 'Old habits die hard' he thought, shaking his head, ' and so do gut reflexes.' It was not the boy's fault, after all, that his father had been such a prick to me in school.' It was a moment longer before the brooding man replied.
"Indeed. I believe that by finally breaking her silence, and knowing how closely, I am watching over her, that the problem will not resurface. Her need to be in full control took over when she came to school and found she didn't run the show. On the other hand, a large part of her very much wanted a responsible adult to parent her. In her home, it is my understanding that she was much more the matriarch than her mother was. " He ran a hand through his sleek raven hair and
Continued, pacing in front of the desk.
"She was much relieved after our talk on Sunday. However, I am still very concerned about her having another 'episode'. How are we to know that she has been given the right type and amount of medication? In potions, such things are learned through trial and error, and I do not wish to risk an error with Miss Caliga. We have already had a close enough call as it is."
"There is no chance of success without the risk of failure, Severus… You of all people should be well aware of that." Came Dumbledore's answer. " That said, I also share your concerns, and certain, er, safeguards were placed on the child before she returned to her dorm. I also do not wish to have her harmed."
Snape looked up from under the dark curtain of hair over his face.
"But of course. Cushioning charms, and the like I would suppose?" He queried. " How do we protect her from herself? I have an inkling that her actually taking her medications is not going to last for too long, and the idea of having to baby-sit the girl is abhorrent. I can only do so much, Albus, with all of my … duties." With that, Snape involuntarily held his left arm in his right hand.
"Of that I am aware, Severus. You go far beyond what anyone would ever expect of any wizard, have your Head of House duties, Potions class work and the task of protecting Potter on your hands as well. Yet, I have my doubts as to how I would go about getting you to NOT be involved in Miss Caliga."
Nodding, Snape strode across the office and sat down.
"There is something about her, Albus, I cannot describe. There is something there. I realized when I found her in the showers and picked her up. An energy connection of some sort. Like a spark, we connected instantly. Again in the infirmary… she felt like she was, like she was.." his voice trailed off.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, but remained silent. This was indeed strange that Snape would feel this about anyone, let alone a student… let alone a female student of all things. He usually shied away from them at all costs. Looking over at Snape, he asked
"Like she was?"
Snape eyes looked stricken as he answered.
"Blood."
Well, apparently I am on a bit of a role. MY real life work is falling away as Cassandra and Snape take over. Once again, only Miss Caliga is mine ( lucky, lucky me!!!) and the rest belong to beloved JK Rowling. I am once again, simply a Harry Potter Fan in love with a Slytherin Man!!
"Well, there is still the matter of her nearly starving herself to death, Severus" Albus popped a lemon drop into his mouth, then continued " Poppy said she hadn't seen anything that bad before, not even Potter."
Snape felt an involuntary twitch in his left nostril at the mention of Harry Potter, and then remembered all the hideous things he had been informed of over the last year about how the boy was treated by his family. 'Old habits die hard' he thought, shaking his head, ' and so do gut reflexes.' It was not the boy's fault, after all, that his father had been such a prick to me in school.' It was a moment longer before the brooding man replied.
"Indeed. I believe that by finally breaking her silence, and knowing how closely, I am watching over her, that the problem will not resurface. Her need to be in full control took over when she came to school and found she didn't run the show. On the other hand, a large part of her very much wanted a responsible adult to parent her. In her home, it is my understanding that she was much more the matriarch than her mother was. " He ran a hand through his sleek raven hair and
Continued, pacing in front of the desk.
"She was much relieved after our talk on Sunday. However, I am still very concerned about her having another 'episode'. How are we to know that she has been given the right type and amount of medication? In potions, such things are learned through trial and error, and I do not wish to risk an error with Miss Caliga. We have already had a close enough call as it is."
"There is no chance of success without the risk of failure, Severus… You of all people should be well aware of that." Came Dumbledore's answer. " That said, I also share your concerns, and certain, er, safeguards were placed on the child before she returned to her dorm. I also do not wish to have her harmed."
Snape looked up from under the dark curtain of hair over his face.
"But of course. Cushioning charms, and the like I would suppose?" He queried. " How do we protect her from herself? I have an inkling that her actually taking her medications is not going to last for too long, and the idea of having to baby-sit the girl is abhorrent. I can only do so much, Albus, with all of my … duties." With that, Snape involuntarily held his left arm in his right hand.
"Of that I am aware, Severus. You go far beyond what anyone would ever expect of any wizard, have your Head of House duties, Potions class work and the task of protecting Potter on your hands as well. Yet, I have my doubts as to how I would go about getting you to NOT be involved in Miss Caliga."
Nodding, Snape strode across the office and sat down.
"There is something about her, Albus, I cannot describe. There is something there. I realized when I found her in the showers and picked her up. An energy connection of some sort. Like a spark, we connected instantly. Again in the infirmary… she felt like she was, like she was.." his voice trailed off.
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows, but remained silent. This was indeed strange that Snape would feel this about anyone, let alone a student… let alone a female student of all things. He usually shied away from them at all costs. Looking over at Snape, he asked
"Like she was?"
Snape eyes looked stricken as he answered.
"Blood."