Disclaimer: I am not making any profit from this, except the happiness that comes from the good readers of reviews.

Rating: G

As the train started to slow Ari got up and left the compartment. 'Well, the first impression didn't' go quite as well as I'd hope…' she thought to herself, 'but that was just a mask… I know it. That isn't the boy I've watched for so long; his true self is hidden somewhere behind that cold demeanor.

Severus didn't see Ari again until the Sorting Ceremony. That didn't bother him or so he let himself believe. Professor McGonagall called out the names of students, one by one. "Andrews, Lisa" was the first followed by "Applethorn, Davis," and "Barlet, Michael." She continued on down the list until "Zano, Mitch" was called. Slowly the very nervous boy made his way up to the Sorting Hat. After a few moments decision, the Hat decided to put Mitch in Hufflepuff.

When Mitch sat down at the correct table everyone was waiting for Headmaster Dumbledore to raise up from his seat and say his customary speech about staying out of the Forbidden Forest and such. They were all surprised and slightly disappointed that they had to wait another few minutes for the delicious dinner that the house elves had prepared for them.

"Students, if I could have your attention for a moment," the Headmaster began, eyes twinkling. "I am please to announce tat we have a new seventh year student this year."

A wave of whispers went up amongst the students seated at the tables. It was strange that a student would come to Hogwarts in his or her last year. 'Why would someone want to leave their previous school with one more year to go?' was the thought of most of the students gathered. Severus however did not think what the others were, he knew who it was. 'Ari,' Severus sneered.

"As she has not attended Hogwarts before, she will need to be sorted. Ari if you would please," Dumbledore motioned for her to sit on the three-legged stool sitting in front of the Great Hall. The students seemed to have overlooked the girl who was standing just inside of the Great Hall's doors. All the students stared as she passed, head held high, the various tables.

Taking her spot on the stool Ari lifted the Sorting Hat on to her head, which fell over her eyes (yes the Hat is still big even on the older students).

'Never had anyone like you before,' the Hat thought in her head.

'Really? I shouldn't be THAT different.' Ari thought unfazed by the intruding voice in her head.

'Ah! But you are. You know things that one else could ever dream of knowing. Why are you here if you know all the things that will be taught here?' the Sorting Hat asked curiously.

Rather hesitantly Ari replied, 'I'm looking for someone…. I'm looking for a feeling I've never felt before…'

After a few more minutes of interrogation, the Hat made its decision.

"SLYTHERIN!" it called out to the hall.

'But be wary' the Hat thought to Ari, as she pulled it off her head.

For several weeks Ari kept to herself, avoiding other if at all possible. She wasn't interested in meeting anyone besides Severus. She had been polite to her classmates who tried to befriend her, but that was it. She wasn't going out of her way to makes friends with anyone.

'Severus…' Ari thought to herself as she lightly picked at the green comforter on her bed. She sat alone in the seventh year girl's dormitory. Right now the Slytherins were on their break from class for that day. It was the perfect time to start new assignments or out some last minute details into a homework assignment that was due next hour. All Ari could think of was Severus. She didn't need to really study like the others. Like the Hat said she already knew what they were learning and more. Next hour though, was a class in which she could watch Severus when he was at his best.

The seventh year Slytherins and Gryffindor had Potions together, as they always did, much to the dismay of both houses. Ari never paid attention in class, because she found that watching the back of Severus' head was much more interesting than listening to the teacher droll on about something she already knew about. If Ari was lucky Severus would sit directly in front of her and she would be able to smell the shampoo that he used.

Severus' head shot up from the meticulous notes he was taking. Someone was watching him. After years of being forced to be watchful, Severus recognized the tingling sensation on the back of his neck. He discreetly looked around, hoping that he wouldn't be caught not paying attention, but no one in class seemed to be looking his way. All of his peers were either taking down notes, like he had been, or staring off into space, nowhere in his direction.

A few minutes later he felt it once again. And just like last time, no one was looking. He had suspected that that Ari girl had been watching him, but she appeared to be looking straight ahead at the professor with unfocused eyes. She hurriedly looked down at her parchment when she blinked back into reality, and began to write furiously.

Ari could feel his gaze sweeping over the room as he searched for his silent watcher. She mentally willed him to look behind him at her; Severus merely went back to his notes a few moments later.

'I'm tired of just sitting here watching him… I did not come here to have staring contest with the back of his head.' Ari scowled and went back the notes that she forgot she wasn't noting.

Wow, I'm on a role with this revising thing tonight… or I should say this morning.. It is now 4.20 and I am very very tired… Chapter 3 Revised