A/N: Hey everybody! Gosh it's been awhile. Profuse apologies for the delay. My life has settled down a bit now, so hopefully these updates will become more regular. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this next part.
Part Two: Getting back on Track
Chapter One: Explaining
The next morning I awoke, and immediately learned the definition of 'hang-over'.
I moaned and gave Severus my most pitiful look as I sank down at an empty work station in the deserted Potions classroom.
His face remained impassive as he stood over a bubbling cauldron. Elegant hands gently stirred and tossed in ingredients into the potion. I looked over the ingredients waiting to be added and had to shut my eyes at the wave of nausea some of those items invoked. Was he really going to make me drink that?
I raised my eyes to study my future Professor.
His black hair was a little shorter than I remembered, and a lot less greasy. His pale complexion was clear of the acne that seemed to haunt the faces of most students in our grade. All in all, he wasn't that bad looking.
I had been openly staring at him for the last ten minutes without realizing it.
"Would you mind sharing with me just what exactly you find so fascinating about my face?" he snapped, viciously.
If my head hadn't been pounding so hard, that remark might have hurt my feelings.
"Are you finished yet?" I snapped, sarcastically back at him.
He merely grinned at me, which was odd because I can't recall ever seeing him actually grin before.
He walked over with a steaming goblet and handed it to me.
I eyed the grey lumpy concoction with dread and made a sound of disgust.
"Now Miss Thyme, Mr. Snape has been up working on that potion since before dawn. You should show a bit more gratitude." Professor Figg smirked at me as she entered the class room and began to set up for her first class.
I didn't know Severus could blush until that moment. I quickly gulped the potion down to hide my own embarrassment.
I looked up at him in amazement.
"That was delicious!"
It had tasted almost exactly like the strawberry milkshakes mum used to make me on the hot summer evenings. Maybe even better.
Severus now had a very pleased expression on his face as he hurriedly cleaned up his mess.
By the time everything had been put away, my head had completely stopped hurting.
"It worked." I said, unable to keep the surprise out of my voice.
"Well of course it worked!" he said, frowning.
I was about to respond, when I realized that we had an audience.
Both of us turned to see Professor Figg watching us intently. Her expression reminded me of my mum's when she watched her favorite soap operas.
Severus sighed an annoyed sigh and held out his arm.
"Shall we go to breakfast then?" he asked me.
I nodded and hooked my arm through his.
I could feel my cheeks heating up as we walked. I liked being this close to him, it made me feel…protected.
As we ascended from the dungeons, he leaned over and whispered into my ear.
"I kept my end of the bargain, and I expect you to keep yours!" He hissed.
He gave me an irritable scowl when I sent him a confused look.
A few sleepy students suddenly appeared around us, so he steered me into an empty classroom.
Just before the door shut, I caught a glimpse of Margo sending me an 'I-told-you-so' look.
"Margo saw us! You know what she's going think we're doing!" I complained pulling my arm away from him.
Unfortunately he did not allow me to distract him.
"You said that if I made the potion taste like strawberries, you would give me some answers!" he crossed his arms over his chest, and stood in front of the door.
I sighed heavily, and made the mistake of looking into his eyes.
"You'll never believe it." I whispered unable to tear my eyes from his.
In one swift movement, he had crossed the small space between us, grabbed my shoulders, and pulled me up against him. Our robes were the only thing separating us.
"Try me." He whispered before claiming my mouth with his own.
His tongue pushed easily past my lips, and I raised my arms to encircle his neck and pull him closer.
I willingly lost myself in his kiss.
His left hand left its place at my waist and moved up to cup my breast through smooth fabric of my robes.
I let out a loud moan.
The noise made him come to his senses, and he quickly pushed himself away from me.
Both of us were panting, and looking at each other with a combination of shock, fear, and lust.
"Why did you do that?" I demanded, trying to catch my breath.
He shrugged and gave me his usual smirk.
"We're going to be accused of doing that anyway, thought I might as well take advantage of the situation."
He misinterpreted the fearful expression I gave him.
"Mya, I didn't mean to frighten you."
He looked really worried.
I allowed him to pull me into a comforting hug.
"I promise I'll ask before I do anything like that again, okay?"
I nodded and he kissed my forehead.
"I'll meet you outside your dorm tonight at nine. We can go somewhere quiet and private…
I gave him a look.
"Just to talk!" He smiled and held up his hands in surrender.
I grinned back and nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
He looked into my eyes, and asked, "Can I kiss you goodbye?"
I nodded, and allowed him to pull me against him again. His tongue was much less demanded this time as he caressed my lips.
He finally pulled away and rested his forehead against my own, his hands cupping my face.
"See you tonight, my Mya." He breathed and then stepped away.
As the door closed behind him, I fell into the nearest desk.
What was I going to do?
********
I sat at that desk with my head in my hands fighting tears.
Was I really falling in love with Severus Snape? Or was this just the result of some misplaced affection left over from my Professor? And what exactly was I going to tell Severus? The truth?
No way could I lie, he'd see right through me.
I felt my stomach lurch at the thought of losing his companionship.
"I was not the right person to do this." I whispered shaking my head in despair.
"Nonsense, you'd not be here otherwise." a calm, almost cheery voice said from the door.
My head shot up.
"Headmaster! I was just …"
But I couldn't think of anything to say.
Professor Dumbledore looked around the room a bit nervously. He was obviously uncomfortable being alone in the room with me.
He opened his mouth to speak, and a loud growl filled the room.
The Headmaster chuckled as my face turned red.
"It's quite alright, my dear, hunger is the main side effect of that potion you took earlier."
He gave me a stern look, and I blushed even more.
"Perhaps we should continue this little discussion after breakfast in my office."
I nodded and followed him to the Great Hall.
********
After breakfast, the Headmaster led me to his office. We reached it very quickly, even though I was dragging my feet.
As I made myself comfortable in one of the chairs in front of his desk, the past headmasters in the photographs around the room eyed me curiously, and Fawks, Dumbledore's pet phoenix, flew over and landed on my shoulder
I could feel myself beginning to relax as Dumbledore settled himself behind his desk.
"Before you begin, Mya, I need you to promise that you will not reveal to much about what is in store for me."
I nodded.
"Now, what on Earth has happened to cause you so much pain and grief? We both know this has nothing to do with an uncle." He gave me a little grin.
I explained as best as I could about Professor Snape. How he'd sent me here, but retained a mental link with me. How he'd died…
Fawks started to sing when I burst into tears. I felt like I was being bathed in warm light, and the tears quickly subsided.
Dumbledore stood, and started pacing around the room.
"I told myself I'd do nothing to interfere, but I couldn't ignore…" he gave me a piercing look.
"I have been accused of reading minds by several people. The truth is, I can feel the emotions of those under my care; much like you described how you could 'feel' your Professor Snape. Their joy, fear, and pain. Two nights ago I was awoken by your pain. It reminded me that, as much as I don't want you to accidentally reveal my future, you are still under my care. And I will do whatever is necessary to assist you with your mission."
I felt like a great burden had fallen from my shoulders, and I jumped up to give the Headmaster a hug. Hugging him, reminded me of how much I missed my parents, and I felt him give me an extra squeeze.
We both re-took our seats and I resumed my story. He was silent through it all, only nodding occasionally to show that he was listening.
"I want to tell Severus the truth, but I don't know if I should." I ended with a deep sigh.
"I care a great deal about Severus. Even more so, now that I know more about the man he will become. Arabella is quite fond of him as well. Only yesterday, she was telling me how good you were for him."
"Headmaster, what should I do?" I begged.
"Now my dear, that's for you and you alone to determine. The best advice I can give you, is to listen to your heart."
"And if it's wrong?"
"Well, then you'll be given the opportunity to correct it won't you?"
I smiled, suddenly feeling much better.
"Mya, feel free to come to me whenever you need to, but also keep in mind that I can do nothing but listen and offer advice. I refuse to interfere."
"That's okay, Headmaster. I think you've already helped me more than you'll ever know. I promise that I'll not come to you again unless it's absolutely necessary."
I got up and turned to leave.
"Mya, remember that you are not as alone in this as you think."
"What does that mean?" I asked
"You'll find out soon enough."
End Chapter one