When Regina returned to her room, she was surprised to see Severus sitting in a black recliner beside her bookshelf. She also wondered absently where the recliner came from. "Well, I see that I'll have to ward my room from now on so unwanted guests will maintain their distance," she commented in a low, cold voice. Severus barely managed to keep from flinching at her voice. "You know, I think you sound remarkably like me," he commented in a neutral tone.
Regina glared at him. "Well, I shall have to change that immediately. I certainly don't want to sound like you," she replied. Then, she stormed over to her bed to sit down. She glared at him in silence, hoping he'd take the hint and leave. Then, she seemed to notice for the first time that her bed was made. She stood and walked slowly to the closet. After flinging the door open, she realized that all of her clothes were neatly hanging inside, and her shoes were lined up neatly underneath. A quick look over her shoulder at the bookshelf revealed all her books neatly lining the shelves. Severus sat quietly in his chair, watching the expression on her face in amusement.
A vanity table sat right beside the closet door. Further inspection revealed all her things neatly placed in the drawer and on top of the table. The stool was neatly tucked underneath, and a mirror hung on the wall above it. Her pictures of her parents and Severus hung next to the mirror, one on each side. She also noticed a door beside her bed. When she walked over and opened it, it led her into a spacious bathroom, decorated in black and emerald green. All her belongings were already inside.
She turned to Severus. "Thank you," she said in a trembling voice. Quite unexpectantly, she rushed across the room and into his arms. "I'm so sorry for being so nasty to you. I know I'm intruding in your life and you don't really want me here." Severus looked shock and a bit uncertain as to how he should deal with a crying girl. Regina pulled away with an embarrassed look. Hastily wiping her eyes, she walked over to the bed and sat down. "I forgive you for being mad. I deserved it, and I'm sorry for upsetting you." Severus forcibly made himself say the words. He really wasn't all that good at being nice. It wasn't as if he had much practice at it. "As for intruding," he continued. "I assure you that I'm glad you're here. It's nice to have someone around who doesn't think I'm a greasy git all the time." Regina laughed softly at that. "You're family. So, feel free to come to me if you need someone to talk to. I can't guarantee that I'll know what to say, but I'll try my best. This is all new to me."
Severus looked a bit shocked at his words. Regina felt happier though. She stood and hugged him. He awkwardly hugged her back. "Thank you, Uncle Severus. I feel so much better now. You may be regretting your words later on though. I intend to take you up on your offer to listen any time I need to talk. "You do that," Severus replied with a small smile. "Well, I'll let you get some rest now," he replied while walking toward the door. When he was about to open it and leave the room, she called out, "Good night, uncle." He turned back to her. "Good night, Regina," he replied softly. Then, he opened the door and walked from the room, closing it quietly behind him.
When Hermione entered the Gryffindor common room, she was amazed to find it almost entirely deserted. The only people still up were Ron and Harry. They looked up as she entered. "Where have you been?" Harry asked as she sat down beside him on the couch. Hermione smiled as the heat from the fire swept through her body, warming her. The hallway had been chilly, and she was glad to be warm again. "Well," Hermione began. "The mystery girl from earlier ran over me in the hallway."
Ron looked confused. "Who?" he asked. Hermione laughed at the look of confusion on his face. She explained about the girl running into her and their conversation. Harry and Ron exchanged a look of confusion. "Weird, I wonder who she is," Harry muttered. "Yes, so do I," Hermione commented. "She didn't seem too friendly. In fact, she kind of reminded me of Professor Snape."
"Great, just what we need," Harry exclaimed in a bitter voice. "Snape is bad enough. We definitely don't need someone who acts like him." He frowned into the fire. "Professor Snape," Hermione automatically corrected him. Harry gave her an annoyed look. "Whatever," he mumbled. Hermione stood up. "I'm going to bed. Good night. You two better go to bed to. We have school in the morning." Ron rolled his eyes. "Yes, mum," he replied in a sarcastic voice. Hermione left without another word. "Boys," she muttered in a disgusted voice as she walked into the girls' dormitory and closed the door.