Willow broke eye contact first, but only to turn her glare on Giles. "I appreciate the gesture, Giles, but I don't think Sevvy and I are going to be able to work together.

"Please stop calling me that insufferable nickname!"

"Sure, I got plenty more anyway. See what I mean, Giles. He's awful."

Snape pushed himself into the girl's face. "I'm awful? You are rude, annoying, and absolutely incapable of being taught anything!"

"I am not!" Willow yelled. "I bet I'd be the best student you ever had."

Giles say his opportunity and dove for it. "Quite correct, Willow. I suspect you would as well, but only if you can bring yourself to work with the Professor."

"She's hopeless, Rupert. Even if she agreed."

"So, Severus, you are saying you are not up to the challenge of teaching one bright and eager young lady?"

"Of course I am. It's this Willow I won't teach."

"Excuse me, but I happen to be an excellent student!" Willow interjected.

"She is, Severus. But, if you can't handle it I will have to try to contact Lupin. Do you know where I could find him?"

Snape growled. "I know what you're doing, Rupert."

"Is it working?" Giles asked with a small smile.

"Yes."

"Splendid. Willow, could you walk Snape to your home and get him settled?"

"I haven't agreed to this."

"You'll learn a great deal, and it will take your mind off of Oz. Trust me."

"Who's Oz?" Snape questioned.

"None of your damn business." Willow snapped. "Come on. We need to get you settled. You can sleep in my parents' room."

"Won't they be in that room?"

"They're in Paris for the summer."

Snape nodded and looked the girl over. She truly was infuriating, but was that lonliness he say flash in her eyes?

It seemed they had at least one thing in common.