***
Severus sat at his desk thinking to himself. Dumbledore forgave him for trying to take his own life, and decided not to fire him. But he did however insist that he take some time off. So for a week, Dumbledore would be teaching potions for him. This was a relief to Severus. He realized how badly he really needed the time off. He had caught up on all of his work and had planned out lesson plans for the rest of the month.
Then after all of that was done, he decided it was time for him to rest. he went into Hogsmeade every once and a while, walking along the streets, talking to old friends, and most of all thinking. He had been so close to being able to see his dear Sara again. If Mcgonagall wouldn't have found him he would be dead, and with his sweetheart again. But then again, he was glad that she had found him. And also greatful that Dumbledore had not fired him for his selfish act.
Finally the week off was over. It was Sunday, and he would go back to teaching the next day. He was dreading it, thinking that some of the students may be brave enough to confront him about his recent events. But then again he was glad to be going back to teaching, because it would keep him busy.
Snape: Now remember, only three drops. Any more than that and...
BBOOOOMM!
Snape: Mr. Longbottom... I see you have found out what happens when you add more than three drops, heh?
Over to the side of the room, Nevile Longbottom stood there with a nasty green concoction coving his robes, burning them.
Snape: Well you better start off torward the hospital wing. Soon the potion will start to burn your skin. Tell Maddam Promfrey that I have sent you there...
And with that Nevile headed to the door. The rest of the lesson went better, with one student's potion landing on the floor, and anothers burning a whole srtait through the table. But compared to other days, this was a good one.
Around six o'colck Severus headed down to the great hall for dinner. He sat along his fellow teachers at the staff table. As he sat down he could feel the other teacher's eyes upon him. It was a little strange, but he just kept his head down acting as though he didn't notice. Supper that night was great. He had been eating all of his meals in the dungeons by himself, and the presence of the chattering students was quite a good change for him.
Later that night after dinner, he headed down to his room. Walking into his room he realized how messy he had let it become. So with a wave of his wand, he cleaned it. He lay on his bed staring at his ceiling. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. His partner would be coming to Hogwarts tomorrow. Just the thought made him swell up with anger. He didn't see why Albus had wanted him to have a partner. I mean, he had all of his lessons under control, and he felt as if he had all the company he needed. What was Albus really bringing him for?
***
The next morning he awoke suddenly from a knock on the door.
Snape: Who is it?
Dumbledore: It's me Severus. I've come to get you so I can intoduce you to your new partner.
Severus looked down at what he was wearing. He was topless, with only his boxers on.
Snape: One second Albus.
He hurried to his closet and found a clean set of robes and was soon dressed. He then went over and opened the door. He found the headmaster standing in front of the door. They took off walking.
Snape: Well where is he?
Dumbledore: 'He'? Oh. I must have forgotten to tell you....
Snape: Tell me what?
Dumbledore: The teacher that is coming to assist you is well.... a woman. She was here at Hogwarts about the same time you were. Perhaps you remember her? Sheyliegh Elizebeth Jackson? Do you remember her from school?
Severus stopped dead in his tracks. Not only did he remember her, he hated her. She was one of the popular girls that hung out with James and his group of Gryfindors. She was one of the girls that had entertained herself by picking on Severus.
Snape: Yeah. I remember her alright.
They started to walk again. Sheyliegh had been one of the prettiest girls at Hogwarts while he was there. She had long brown hair, and eyes that looked as though they shined silver. Maybe she's changed though, thought Severus. But as they entered the great hall he saw that her appearance had not changed at all. He recognized her long brown hair. And when she turned to greet them, he saw her silvery eyes sparkeling at them.
Dumbledore: Ah, Sheyliegh! You remember Severus don't you?
Sheyliegh: Of course! Severus I havn't seen you in years! I had no clue that you were teaching at Hogwarts!
She reached out and grabbed his hand, then shook it. Shyeliegh didn't take her eyes off him.
Snape: Yes it has been a long time! It's so nice to see you again!
But he new that that had been a lie. He wasn't happy at all to see her again. He didn't want to see her again. She has been one of the many that had made his years at Hogwarts some what miserable.
They sat down at the staff table and ate breakfast together. They talked of the other people that had been at Hogwarts with them in their year, and what they were doing now. Severus prayed that he would finish soon, that way he could make his way to the dungeons to get ready for today's classes.
Sheyliegh: So has Dumbledore told you? I got a room right across the hall from yours. So that maybe that way we'll be able to discuss lesson plans and such.
She paused.
Sheyliegh: I've always wanted to teach here at Hogwarts. I just enjoyed my time here so much that I wanted to always come back, and watch students live out their best experience, here at school. You know what I mean?
Severus looked up from his plate of eggs to look into those silver eyes.
Snape: I don't know how that is. I didn't really enjoy my time here at Hogwarts. There were certain reasons for that though...
Sheyliegh: I know. And I'm sorry for that. I know we picked on you. And I really regret it too! And I know that James and Sirius regreted it too! I kept in touch with both of them after school, and we all realized how much we regreted the things that we did here. Especially the things that we put you through. I'm really sorry.
Severus stood up and put his napkin down on his empty plate.
Snape: Well I'm heading down to the dungeons to get today's class lessons ready.
Sheyliegh: Oh! I'll come too! I figure that today I'll just observe if that's OK. Then maybe by tomorrow I can start helping you teach...
Severus was now heading out of the great hall. He tried his best to ignore Sheyliegh but it was just impossible. Finally they reached he dungeons. Inside the class room Shey's talking continued, until the first class showed up. Only then did she stop talking.
After a long day of classes Severus headed down to his room. But arrived to the door only to see Shey waiting for him.
Sheyliegh: So... you think that tomorrow I could start teaching too?
Snape: Umm... sure. I guess-
Sheyliegh: Oh that's great! Thank you so much Severus! You don't know how much this means to me.
Snape: No... I don't.
Ignoring his comment, she continued on. Finally he broke away from her, and escaped to his room. Once again like every other night, he got ready for bed then flopped on his bed. He started to think about what Sheyliegh had said. Was she, James, and Sirius really sorry? He didn't know if he believed that. But for some reason he believed her. He remembered the look on her face when she apoligized. She looked very sorry indeed, and very upset at the memories. Maybe she was right...
***
The next morning once again he awoke to a knock on his door. Expecting it to be Albus again he thought nothing of it and took his time dressing then going to the door. But when he opened the door, it turned out to not be Albus, but to be Sheyliegh.
Sheyliegh: Good morning! Sleep well?
Snape: Actually...
Sheyliegh: I've beent thinking about teaching today, and then I remembered that I hadn't asked you what we would be doing today...
Severys explained to her what all he had had planned for today's lesson's, while enjoying a wonderful breakfast. Then after they finished discussing their school plans, they moved on in the conversation and told each other what they had been up to ever since leaving Hogwarts. Severus found their conversation very enjoyable for some reason. It wasn't nearly as annoying as their conversation the previous day had been. He enjoyed her being there to talk to him.
Finally after breakfast they headed down to the dungeons. Severus and Sheyliegh set up the things needed for the student's potions. Then shortyly after, their converstaion was interrupted by students entering the room.
Snape: If you need any help at all, I'll be in my office doing some work. OK?
Sheyliegh: Oh Severus... please, could you stick around for the first class and help me. It's just that I've not taught a class before, and I don't know how well I'll do.
Snape: Nonsense! You'll do fine. But yes I will stick around.
The first class was a bunch of first years. It went surprisingly well. In fact, the students enjoyed the class. Sheyliegh was a really good teacher. And even when they had asked for Snape's help, he was unusually nice that day.
By the third class, Sheyliegh was feeling confident enough to teach that class by herself. And Severus went off to his office to do work.
But no matter how hard he tried to concentrate, his mind was back with Sheyliegh back in the class room. She seemed to do very well with the children. And he noticed that all the bitterness from her childhood had disappeared. She had turned into a very polite, sweet, woman. And he couldn't stop thinking about her beautiful eyes.
At dinner that night they sat with each other yet again deep in conversation. And after wards, they headed down to their rooms together. When they reached their doors, they both stopped talking and looked at one another.
Snape: Sheyliegh, can I tell you something?
Sheyliegh: Only if it's nice... *giggle*
Snape: I've been wanting to tell you, that I forgive you. You apoligized the other night for the things that happened at school, and I've been thinking. All of those things happened a long time ago. And I also realized that I didn't say anything to you after you apoligized. And I accept your apoligy, and I forgive you.
Sheyliegh: Well that's very nice to know. It's a major relief. I thought that you were still mad at me for all of that.
Snape: Also I wanted to ask you a question... umm... did Dumbledore tell you about the events that took place before you arrived?
Sheyliegh: *Pause* Yes. Yes, he did. And I just want to say to you, that I am so glad that Minerva found you when she did. Severus, I know that times can be hard. But you have to realize that there are people in this world that care about you, and would hate to see you leave. If you would have... well... died, I wouldn't have gotten to apoligize. Do you know how bad I would have felt if I never would have gotten the chance to say I was sorry? I would have felt aweful. Now, can I tell you something?
Snape: Of course. *he said this in a hushed voice. He looked deep into her silver eyes.*
Sheyliegh: You know when I picked on you in school, I did it because I was jealous.
Severus looked at her confused.
Snape: You were jealous? Of what?
Sheyliegh: I was jealous because you had picked Sara as your girlfriend. I had had the biggest crush on you since the first time that we met. And when I heard that you had your eye on Sara, I was jealous. I wanted you for myself. But I knew that I could never have you. And in our seventh year, when I heard that you had proposed to her, I did the same thing you did. I wanted to die.
Sheyliegh looked down at her arm and raised the sleeve of her robes. On her arm were the scars where she had cut her wrist trying to commit suicide. Severus looked up at her amazed. Sheyliegh's eyes were filling with tears.
Sheyliegh: It was James that found me. He knew that I had been upset. I had been cutting for a long time. Until finally one night I got the courage to actually do it for real. And like you, I passed out. It was James who had found me in a pool of my own blood. He saved my life....
Sheyliegh broke off in the middle of her sentence. A few tears rolled down her cheek. Severus couldn't stand to look at her like this any more. He reached out and hugged her. And there they stood for the longest time... hugging. Severus realized that he had needed it just as much as she had. The last time he had ever given a hug was when he hugged Sara's lifeless body for the last time...
***
OK. There's chapter number four. This is really getting sad. :'( But very sweet too!
Next chapter: Things start to heat up between the two! And Severus breaks down.... awe!!!
Severus sat at his desk thinking to himself. Dumbledore forgave him for trying to take his own life, and decided not to fire him. But he did however insist that he take some time off. So for a week, Dumbledore would be teaching potions for him. This was a relief to Severus. He realized how badly he really needed the time off. He had caught up on all of his work and had planned out lesson plans for the rest of the month.
Then after all of that was done, he decided it was time for him to rest. he went into Hogsmeade every once and a while, walking along the streets, talking to old friends, and most of all thinking. He had been so close to being able to see his dear Sara again. If Mcgonagall wouldn't have found him he would be dead, and with his sweetheart again. But then again, he was glad that she had found him. And also greatful that Dumbledore had not fired him for his selfish act.
Finally the week off was over. It was Sunday, and he would go back to teaching the next day. He was dreading it, thinking that some of the students may be brave enough to confront him about his recent events. But then again he was glad to be going back to teaching, because it would keep him busy.
Snape: Now remember, only three drops. Any more than that and...
BBOOOOMM!
Snape: Mr. Longbottom... I see you have found out what happens when you add more than three drops, heh?
Over to the side of the room, Nevile Longbottom stood there with a nasty green concoction coving his robes, burning them.
Snape: Well you better start off torward the hospital wing. Soon the potion will start to burn your skin. Tell Maddam Promfrey that I have sent you there...
And with that Nevile headed to the door. The rest of the lesson went better, with one student's potion landing on the floor, and anothers burning a whole srtait through the table. But compared to other days, this was a good one.
Around six o'colck Severus headed down to the great hall for dinner. He sat along his fellow teachers at the staff table. As he sat down he could feel the other teacher's eyes upon him. It was a little strange, but he just kept his head down acting as though he didn't notice. Supper that night was great. He had been eating all of his meals in the dungeons by himself, and the presence of the chattering students was quite a good change for him.
Later that night after dinner, he headed down to his room. Walking into his room he realized how messy he had let it become. So with a wave of his wand, he cleaned it. He lay on his bed staring at his ceiling. Then it hit him like a ton of bricks. His partner would be coming to Hogwarts tomorrow. Just the thought made him swell up with anger. He didn't see why Albus had wanted him to have a partner. I mean, he had all of his lessons under control, and he felt as if he had all the company he needed. What was Albus really bringing him for?
***
The next morning he awoke suddenly from a knock on the door.
Snape: Who is it?
Dumbledore: It's me Severus. I've come to get you so I can intoduce you to your new partner.
Severus looked down at what he was wearing. He was topless, with only his boxers on.
Snape: One second Albus.
He hurried to his closet and found a clean set of robes and was soon dressed. He then went over and opened the door. He found the headmaster standing in front of the door. They took off walking.
Snape: Well where is he?
Dumbledore: 'He'? Oh. I must have forgotten to tell you....
Snape: Tell me what?
Dumbledore: The teacher that is coming to assist you is well.... a woman. She was here at Hogwarts about the same time you were. Perhaps you remember her? Sheyliegh Elizebeth Jackson? Do you remember her from school?
Severus stopped dead in his tracks. Not only did he remember her, he hated her. She was one of the popular girls that hung out with James and his group of Gryfindors. She was one of the girls that had entertained herself by picking on Severus.
Snape: Yeah. I remember her alright.
They started to walk again. Sheyliegh had been one of the prettiest girls at Hogwarts while he was there. She had long brown hair, and eyes that looked as though they shined silver. Maybe she's changed though, thought Severus. But as they entered the great hall he saw that her appearance had not changed at all. He recognized her long brown hair. And when she turned to greet them, he saw her silvery eyes sparkeling at them.
Dumbledore: Ah, Sheyliegh! You remember Severus don't you?
Sheyliegh: Of course! Severus I havn't seen you in years! I had no clue that you were teaching at Hogwarts!
She reached out and grabbed his hand, then shook it. Shyeliegh didn't take her eyes off him.
Snape: Yes it has been a long time! It's so nice to see you again!
But he new that that had been a lie. He wasn't happy at all to see her again. He didn't want to see her again. She has been one of the many that had made his years at Hogwarts some what miserable.
They sat down at the staff table and ate breakfast together. They talked of the other people that had been at Hogwarts with them in their year, and what they were doing now. Severus prayed that he would finish soon, that way he could make his way to the dungeons to get ready for today's classes.
Sheyliegh: So has Dumbledore told you? I got a room right across the hall from yours. So that maybe that way we'll be able to discuss lesson plans and such.
She paused.
Sheyliegh: I've always wanted to teach here at Hogwarts. I just enjoyed my time here so much that I wanted to always come back, and watch students live out their best experience, here at school. You know what I mean?
Severus looked up from his plate of eggs to look into those silver eyes.
Snape: I don't know how that is. I didn't really enjoy my time here at Hogwarts. There were certain reasons for that though...
Sheyliegh: I know. And I'm sorry for that. I know we picked on you. And I really regret it too! And I know that James and Sirius regreted it too! I kept in touch with both of them after school, and we all realized how much we regreted the things that we did here. Especially the things that we put you through. I'm really sorry.
Severus stood up and put his napkin down on his empty plate.
Snape: Well I'm heading down to the dungeons to get today's class lessons ready.
Sheyliegh: Oh! I'll come too! I figure that today I'll just observe if that's OK. Then maybe by tomorrow I can start helping you teach...
Severus was now heading out of the great hall. He tried his best to ignore Sheyliegh but it was just impossible. Finally they reached he dungeons. Inside the class room Shey's talking continued, until the first class showed up. Only then did she stop talking.
After a long day of classes Severus headed down to his room. But arrived to the door only to see Shey waiting for him.
Sheyliegh: So... you think that tomorrow I could start teaching too?
Snape: Umm... sure. I guess-
Sheyliegh: Oh that's great! Thank you so much Severus! You don't know how much this means to me.
Snape: No... I don't.
Ignoring his comment, she continued on. Finally he broke away from her, and escaped to his room. Once again like every other night, he got ready for bed then flopped on his bed. He started to think about what Sheyliegh had said. Was she, James, and Sirius really sorry? He didn't know if he believed that. But for some reason he believed her. He remembered the look on her face when she apoligized. She looked very sorry indeed, and very upset at the memories. Maybe she was right...
***
The next morning once again he awoke to a knock on his door. Expecting it to be Albus again he thought nothing of it and took his time dressing then going to the door. But when he opened the door, it turned out to not be Albus, but to be Sheyliegh.
Sheyliegh: Good morning! Sleep well?
Snape: Actually...
Sheyliegh: I've beent thinking about teaching today, and then I remembered that I hadn't asked you what we would be doing today...
Severys explained to her what all he had had planned for today's lesson's, while enjoying a wonderful breakfast. Then after they finished discussing their school plans, they moved on in the conversation and told each other what they had been up to ever since leaving Hogwarts. Severus found their conversation very enjoyable for some reason. It wasn't nearly as annoying as their conversation the previous day had been. He enjoyed her being there to talk to him.
Finally after breakfast they headed down to the dungeons. Severus and Sheyliegh set up the things needed for the student's potions. Then shortyly after, their converstaion was interrupted by students entering the room.
Snape: If you need any help at all, I'll be in my office doing some work. OK?
Sheyliegh: Oh Severus... please, could you stick around for the first class and help me. It's just that I've not taught a class before, and I don't know how well I'll do.
Snape: Nonsense! You'll do fine. But yes I will stick around.
The first class was a bunch of first years. It went surprisingly well. In fact, the students enjoyed the class. Sheyliegh was a really good teacher. And even when they had asked for Snape's help, he was unusually nice that day.
By the third class, Sheyliegh was feeling confident enough to teach that class by herself. And Severus went off to his office to do work.
But no matter how hard he tried to concentrate, his mind was back with Sheyliegh back in the class room. She seemed to do very well with the children. And he noticed that all the bitterness from her childhood had disappeared. She had turned into a very polite, sweet, woman. And he couldn't stop thinking about her beautiful eyes.
At dinner that night they sat with each other yet again deep in conversation. And after wards, they headed down to their rooms together. When they reached their doors, they both stopped talking and looked at one another.
Snape: Sheyliegh, can I tell you something?
Sheyliegh: Only if it's nice... *giggle*
Snape: I've been wanting to tell you, that I forgive you. You apoligized the other night for the things that happened at school, and I've been thinking. All of those things happened a long time ago. And I also realized that I didn't say anything to you after you apoligized. And I accept your apoligy, and I forgive you.
Sheyliegh: Well that's very nice to know. It's a major relief. I thought that you were still mad at me for all of that.
Snape: Also I wanted to ask you a question... umm... did Dumbledore tell you about the events that took place before you arrived?
Sheyliegh: *Pause* Yes. Yes, he did. And I just want to say to you, that I am so glad that Minerva found you when she did. Severus, I know that times can be hard. But you have to realize that there are people in this world that care about you, and would hate to see you leave. If you would have... well... died, I wouldn't have gotten to apoligize. Do you know how bad I would have felt if I never would have gotten the chance to say I was sorry? I would have felt aweful. Now, can I tell you something?
Snape: Of course. *he said this in a hushed voice. He looked deep into her silver eyes.*
Sheyliegh: You know when I picked on you in school, I did it because I was jealous.
Severus looked at her confused.
Snape: You were jealous? Of what?
Sheyliegh: I was jealous because you had picked Sara as your girlfriend. I had had the biggest crush on you since the first time that we met. And when I heard that you had your eye on Sara, I was jealous. I wanted you for myself. But I knew that I could never have you. And in our seventh year, when I heard that you had proposed to her, I did the same thing you did. I wanted to die.
Sheyliegh looked down at her arm and raised the sleeve of her robes. On her arm were the scars where she had cut her wrist trying to commit suicide. Severus looked up at her amazed. Sheyliegh's eyes were filling with tears.
Sheyliegh: It was James that found me. He knew that I had been upset. I had been cutting for a long time. Until finally one night I got the courage to actually do it for real. And like you, I passed out. It was James who had found me in a pool of my own blood. He saved my life....
Sheyliegh broke off in the middle of her sentence. A few tears rolled down her cheek. Severus couldn't stand to look at her like this any more. He reached out and hugged her. And there they stood for the longest time... hugging. Severus realized that he had needed it just as much as she had. The last time he had ever given a hug was when he hugged Sara's lifeless body for the last time...
***
OK. There's chapter number four. This is really getting sad. :'( But very sweet too!
Next chapter: Things start to heat up between the two! And Severus breaks down.... awe!!!