Chapter six

Disclaimer on chapter one

Ruby sat in the spectators seats while the Slytherins practiced, a final practice before Christmas break. She took out her notebook and started writing. She never knew Snape had played quidditch. He was a seeker, like Harry. He just kinda sat on his broom while all the action was going on. Ruby tried to watch, but, she just didn't get into like Ron and Harry did. She was very glad when practice was over, because then it was dinner time. It was a pre-Christmas holiday party, and to Ruby, the food looked great. Snape sat about the middle of the Slytherin table and Ruby sat on the floor behind him. She figured that at some point he'd pass her back some food. Finally, midway through the meal she tugged on the back of his robe.

"What," he muttered.

"Could ya give me something to eat?" He sighed and passed her a couple rolls which she quickly ate. "Thanks."

Continuing to mutter, "I will bring you more. Do you know where the third dungeon is?"

"Yes."

"Go there, I will follow shortly."

Ruby then got up and went downstairs past the potions room and to the third dungeon. She had never been in that dungeon before; it had always been lock, used for storage she thought. She went inside and found it to be a study area for potions. A small cabinet was in the corner that held muellers and bowls and other items. Areas designated to mix and work. She wished she had known about it earlier.

"Ehm," Severus cleared his thoart.

"Oh, sorry, it's just that, umm, this room isn't open when I go to Hogwarts. I was surprised they had a potions work room."

Severus just rolled his eyes. "Here is a plate of food."

"Wow, thanks!" She started to eat ravenously.

"Do they not have a dining hall in Hogwarts of the future either?"

Ruby laughed, 'They do, I just didn't eat before I left. So you actually believe I'm from the future now?"

"I'm not sure. Are you going to tell me how you knew what I was making in potions class?" Ruby gave a sly smile. "This is ridiculous. I'm talking to a figment of my imagination."

"Hey! Severus Snape, you must want to know something about me, or you wouldn't have bothered to bring me some food now would you?" He glared at her. "I thought right, didn't I."

"Tell me something, why are you here."

"I here, cause I needed an escape from my problems." He pulled up a chair and sat across from her as she ate, trying to read her, as he had so many times in his office.

"Elderberry," she said.

"What," he asked, perplexed.

"Your robes smell of elderberry, so I figured, it was draught of peace. Also the smell from the caldron, though like the smell of the sleeping draft, has more of a jasmine scent to it." He looked shocked. "I'm scare aren't I," she smiled.

"You must have a wonderful potions master."

Ruby almost choked on her pumpkin juice.

"What," he asked.

"Nothing, I just find it funny you would say that."

"Why, my potions master couldn't tell that I didn't do the assignment. I could be a better potions master then him."

"I'm sure." Ruby didn't know what else to say, the conversation just felt odd.

"You know, you couldn't be one of Potter's friends."

"Why not?"

"Cause you would have made fun of me by now if you were."

"Oh." She remembered when Snape had sort of told her about Harry's dad and his friends picking on him at Hogwarts.

"Well, um, do you think you could stay done here till the rest of Slytherin house leaves for break? I'm the only one staying, so it won't look so weird if I'm talking to myself."

"That's fine, is it safe down here?"

"Should be, I don't see why it wouldn't be. I'll bring you some breakfast before my first class, ok?"

"Yeah, that's fine."

"Fine then." He turned and opened the door to walk out. "Good night, Ruby."

"Good night."

Ruby curled up on two chairs. She was glad she wore a sweatshirt and jeans, because it was freezing in the dungeon. She curled up into her sweatshirt and tried to fall asleep.