(A/n: I'm SO sorry! Arghs. I forgot all about updating, because I was working with Dania on future chapters. =D Well, I hope ya'll enjoy this!)

Chapter 11: Liking Him.

Maya walked out of Severus' office and shuffled along slowly down the corridor towards her mother's chambers.

"How am I going to tell mother about that?" She wondered out loud. "I can't lie, but… Can I really tell the truth?"

Minerva stepped out of her chambers and scanned the dark hallway for her daughter. Maya appeared from far down the hallway. She ran to Minerva and hugged her tight, tears appearing in her eyes.

"I'm so sorry," she whispered over and over.

Minerva picked her up in her arms, and rubbed her back, while walking into the chambers. "What's wrong, baby? Shhh… Tell mommy."

"Meeting.. Scary." She whispered, burying her face in the safety of her mother's shoulder.

"What meeting? Sweetheart, you just had detention with Professor Snape."

"No, arm burn, bad people." She shuddered and looked up at Minerva with tear filled eyes.

"Do you mean--" Minerva's face flashed with just a bit of the rage she was feeling. "Did he take you to a Death Eater's meeting?"

Maya gave a small nod of her head. "Yes ma'am." She squeaked.

"He's dead." She whispered in a dangerously low voice.

"NO MOMMA!" The girl screamed. "He had too! Its' my fault! I took the mark and now I'm paying for it."

"Well, you shouldn't have too. You are just eleven years old. Your life shouldn't be doomed like this so early in life."

"My life has been doomed since the moment I was made! You're smart. You should know that."

"Maya," Minerva frowned at her child, "how many times do I have to say sorry?"

Maya hugged Minerva again. "I'm the one who's sorry. I shouldn't bring it up all the time."

Minerva nodded, and kissed the girls hair softly. "Go get ready for bed, dear."

"Yes ma'am." Maya ran to her room, and disappeared inside. A few moments later she shouted out "MOM! Will you come tuck me in?"

"Of course," answered Minerva at once. She came into the room and tucked the blankets around Maya's small frame.

A bright smile lit up the girl's face. "Thank you, mommy."

Minerva planted a kiss on her daughter's forehead. "You're welcome sweetie. Good night." She started out of the room.

"Night." The girl answered sheepishly.

The next morning at breakfast Maya came bouncing in looking like her cheery self.

"Hey!" Ginny waved at her, as she sat down. Ginny leaned over to her. "How was detention with him?"

"Fine." She responded slowly as she filled her plate with yoghurt and fruit.

"That's good. Me and Luna were worried."

"Well, you don't have too be.. I'm fine."

"Great. We have Herbology first."

"Joy!" I love that class!" Maya giggled.

"Hmmm… Me too."

"Alright, let's go!"

Both girls aroused and skipped out of the great hall, taking their food with them.

"Let's eat by the lake before class," suggested Ginny.

"Sounds good. We have a bunch of time before class."

"Only about half an hour. We all woke up late." Ginny frowned slightly.

"O well. Sleep is good!" Maya exclaimed.

"So very true, girl." Ginny and Maya reached the large beech tree and both settled themselves under it.

"So, you got detention again tonight?" Asked Ginny with a small sigh.

"Yep!" Answered Maya happily.

Ginny set down her plate and put a hand to Maya's forehead. "You sick?"

"No!" Maya pushed Ginny's hand away, scowling.

"But you're happy with a detention with Professor Snape!" There must be something wrong."

"There isn't." She looked down at her plate of good. "He just isn't that bad."

Ginny looked too shocked for words. Finally, after a few moments of awkward silence she nodded. "M-maybe you're right."

This time Maya was shocked. "Ermmm… Yea." She started to eat her food quickly.