Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, except the one I created myself. All others belong to J. K. Rowling and Warner Brothers. I have only borrowed them for my amusement and hopefully yours as well.

Chapter 14

Jolicia had another pleasant evening meal in the staff room. Everyone was quite relieved to see that she was no worse for the wear after her little accident. She had not seen Snape since then. She wondered if he was avoiding her, perhaps feeling a little uncomfortable after what happened.

"Oh, well," she thought. "No sense forcing the issue. We'll see each other soon enough."

Jo inquired about Monday's events. Professor McGonagall explained that after the students arrive on the train, they congregate in the Great Hall, all except the first years, that is. She, herself, personally escorts them into the Great Hall after all of the staff and students are seated. It is at that time that the sorting ceremony takes place.

"Professor, how do you determine which house a child goes into?" asked Jo.

"The Sorting Hat is placed on their heads and it is the hat who decides," answered McGonagall. "The hat has never been wrong. After all are sorted, Headmaster Dumbledore gives a short speech of welcome and makes any announcements that are needed. It will be at that point where he will introduce you to the students, Jolicia. You will stand, but you are not required to speak."

Jo nodded in acknowledgement.

"By the way, I should also mention that we all have our assigned positions at the head table. DADA always sits between the Headmaster and Potions, so therefore, your place will be to the left of Severus."

 "Thank you for letting me know, Professor. I wouldn't want to make any social faux-pas," Jolicia gulped. "Seems we're thrust together, whether we like it or not," she thought.

McGonagall continued," After that, the feast will begin. It is quite impressive; I'm sure you will enjoy it immensely, as I always do. At the end of the feast, the students are escorted to their respective dormitories by the prefects. Classes begin Tuesday morning promptly at 9:00."

It was at that point that Professor Sprout took over the conversation, launching into a discourse on all the wonderful plants she had to show the students this year. She spoke with such enthusiasm; it was hard not to get caught up in it. Jolicia thought how nice it was to work with people who are passionate about what they do. She found it inspiring.

"You must come down to the greenhouse, Jolicia. I would love to show you my 'babies'. That is, if you're interested," bubbled Sprout.

"Definitely," responded Jo. "We'll find a time that suits us both once classes get going. I'm looking forward to it."

This pleased Professor Sprout to no end. She beamed with delight, thinking she had found a kindred spirit.

"I have some work I'd like to finish this evening. Good night, everyone. Thank you all again for your help. Thank you, Professor McGonagall for telling me about what happens on Monday. I always like to know what is to come; it helps me from making an ass of myself," Jolicia said laughing.

They bid her good night in turn. Jolicia rose and went to the door. She approached it gingerly, half expecting Snape to barge in again.

 After Jo left, Professor Sprout turned to McGonagall and said," What a lovely child. I am so glad the Headmaster found her."

Minerva shook her head in agreement and replied," Yes, I believe that Albus made an excellent choice. She fits right in here. I'm sure that the students will love her." In her head, she added, "As will a certain staff member."  No one at the table noticed the cryptic smile on Minerva's face.

Jolicia smiled as she walked back to her rooms. She was starting to feel at home here at Hogwarts. Yes, she had made the right decision by coming here. She rounded the corner and came face to face with Snape, who had just closed the door to his quarters.

"Good evening, Professor Snape," said Jo with a smile.

"Good evening," he replied, without a smile. He touched the side of her face and turned it towards him. They both thought 'there's that strange feeling again'.

"I see you have suffered no permanent damage from our little encounter last night." He let his hand linger there briefly and then dropped it to his side.

"Nope, good as new, thanks to Poppy," she offered. "Can I ask you a question, Professor?"

"You undoubtedly can. You may ask me a question, that I may answer," he said with a touch of sarcasm.

Jolicia's cheeks reddened at his correction of her grammar. She chose not to comment and continued.

"I don't remember too much after leaving the infirmary. How did I get to my room?" she inquired.

"Ah, yes. I escorted you back and you made it as far as that chair," he pointed. "It was at that point that you passed out."

She looked shocked. "I passed out?"

"Perhaps you don't remember Poppy telling you that the combination of potions she gave you would make you very sleepy, but it certainly had that effect on you. It was a wonder that you were able to walk as far as you did. You fell asleep mid- sentence. I caught you just before you hit the ground. I placed you in that chair while I opened your door and then carried you inside and laid you on your bed. I covered you over and left." Severus did not mention coming back to check on her. No point in ruining his nasty reputation.

"That explains why I woke up fully dressed. It all makes sense now. Thanks for looking after me. I appreciate it," Jo said earnestly.

"It was the least I could do, since I was the reason why you were in that position to begin with," replied Snape. "If there is nothing else, I will wish you a pleasant night, Professor Medwin."

"No, that was all I wanted to know. Thanks again and good night," she said and watched him walk away. Sigh…

Jolicia spent the rest of the evening planning her lessons. She slept well that night, but had an unusual dream. She dreamt that someone was trying to tell her something. There was no face associated with voice; it kept repeating the same thing over and over. The only problem was that she couldn't understand what was being said. She knew it was something very important, something vital. She struggled harder and harder to comprehend, but to no avail. The words remained a mystery. When she awoke on Sunday morning, she recalled the dream uneasily. Perhaps she would ask Professor Trelawney to interpret the dream for her.

Jo spent her Sunday by reading the sixth years' student files. She wanted to be prepared for Tuesday. Jo was so caught up with her reading, that when she saw Sybill Trelawney at supper that night, she had forgotten about the dream. It was just as well, for she would not have believed what Sybill had to say.