"What is that thing?" He spoke slowly and very pronounced.

"She's a flapcat," she answered cheerfully. Not even the dungeon gloom could dampen her spirits when the kitten was around. It had been a week since Hagrid had given her Domino and in that time they had become inseperatable. Jessica had decided to bring Domino to Snape's first year class as an icebreaker. Better to let him get to know the kitten before showing up to her own class with her furry little friend.

"Charming," he gruffed. "Do keep it away from the students. You do realize that we are liable for bites."

"She wouldn't bite anyone, would you, Domino," she cooed, placing the kitten on the cobble stone floor. To Jessica's surprise, the little black and white bullet made a beeline towards Snape. She wound herself around his legs, pausing to bat at a loose thread hanging from his cloak.

"Get this infernal beast away from me," he bellowed, but the kitten would have none of his rejection. She rubbed and purred, and with a flap of her wings, propelled herself into his arms. She nipped his chin playfully and licked the end of his very large nose. "Get off of me!" He pushed her away from his face with his free hand. Domino's feelings were hurt and she let him know with a quick swipe of her paw, leaving thin red lines across the paleness of his cheek. She leapt out of his arms and stalked away, clearly infuriated.

"I'm so sorry, Professor. She has never acted like that before." She went to a cabinet on the far wall and retrieved a small jar of gray salve. He stood in silence, allowing her to administer to his wounds. As soon as the salve touched his skin the scratches healed leaving his cheek smooth once again.

"There, no harm done. Not really at any rate. She really seemed to take a shine to you." He still had not moved. This was not a good sign. "I don't know what to say but..."

"I'll tell you what to say," he rounded on her angrily." Tell me that you will never bring that damnable cat in this classroom again!"

"But she's my familiar."

"You don't need...Oh, bloody hell." His eyes had begun to water and there was a tickling sensation in his throat... then the sneezes started. "I am allergic to it," he moaned.

"Not good at all," she whispered beneath her breath.

Now he was in a rage, storming about the room, gathering ingredients from various jars and bottles. He turned to Jessica, fury in his eyes, but to her horror she could not prevent a soft giggle from escaping. He just didn't appear as menacing with watery eyes and a red runny nose. "Do you find this amusing," he growled threateningly, bringing his face within inches of hers.

"No, sir," she cleared her throat, "Not your condition."

"Then why do you laugh," he demanded, his dark eyes full of malice.

"I am truly sorry, sir. I mean no disrespect," she lowered her eyes from his and hung her head slightly trying to appear humble, but could not control the smile that played on her lips.

He placed a finger beneath her chin and tipped her head back so that his eyes locked onto hers once again. "You did not answer my question," his voice slow and extremely dangerous. "Why do you laugh?"

She pulled back but did not break eye contact again. "It's just nice to know that you are human after all." She allowed her smile to broaden. "It's nice to know that you are not infallible."

He rolled his eyes and snorted in disgust. Turning to the door he called over his shoulder, "You will be taking my classes today seeing as you and your damn cat have felt the need to incapacitate me. Lesson plans are on my desk."

"Yes, sir."

"Oh, and don't bring that thing in here again. If I even see it on the castle grounds I will kill it."

"Yes, sir."

"I shouldn't think I would need to remind you, but you have class tonight. In my chambers. I don't want to chance anyone seeing me like this. What shall I do if others begin to view me as a mere mortal? Good day."

"Good day, sir. I hope you feel better." In a swirl of black he was gone. "Well," she thought to herself as she began to prepare for the class, "I guess I just landed myself in detention." There was pressure against her leg and looking down her eyes met Domino's. "You got me into this," she picked the kitten up and smiled. "I hope he's in a better frame of mind tonight, but you know what? Just that sight kind of makes it all worth while." The flapcat closed her eyes and began to purr in her mistress' arms.