I think I fell for Severus right away. I'm not sure why. Somehow I was attracted to him - though I feared him as well. One doesn't become a death-eater without darkness in one's soul. And Severus's soul is very dark. I was attracted to his darkness: dark hair, eyes, clothes, wit... all contrasted on pale skin. I was both attracted and repulsed by my fear of him: fear of his sharp tongue, his dark persona, and his strength. Those who knew him well feared him some. Fear is always safe with an unpredictable nature.

I was only at Hogwarts for two years, the last two before graduation. I know it's unheard of, but I had private tutors. My parents come from a very long and proud line of wizarding families. I am Isolde Jade, of the House of Jade. The House of Jade is a good and noble one, and I was my parents' only child. They wanted me to grow up with values and morals, rather than fall into the traps families such as the Malfoy's had. So I learned the craft as well at those at Hogwarts or any other good wizarding school. When I had learned all I could, and grown some, and matured, they decided to send me off to complete my schooling, hoping I'd learn a bit more and make friends, as well as gain the prestige conferred with graduating from the top wizarding school. It was a bit strange; the girls I was rooming with in Ravenclaw had all known each other since they were about 11 - but they were all very welcoming and I was close to them immediately. I soon settled into the routine they were used to by now: classes, meals, Quidditch, and time with friends. It was all so busy and so different from the life I'd had before. The only time I was truly alone was when I snuck out for late night walks now and then, against the rules.

I loved all my classes, my tutors had prepared me well and I had no trouble keeping up. The only class that was difficult was Potions - but it was difficult for everyone.

I had heard all about Professor Snape. Everyone had a nickname for him, everyone feared him, everyone avoided him. I was warned repeatedly that he would likely make my life, in particular, hell, as I was tutored and new and strange. I was prepared for it, but not for him.

At the sorting feast several new friends pointed him out. He was difficult to see from the back of the room where I was, but I was intrigued. Dark and light. That's all I saw of him from where I was, dark hair and light skin.


My first day of class was my first opportunity of scrutinizing him. I was further intrigued, and a bit frightened.

"Miss Jade. I've heard all about you. How lovely that you've finally decided to get a real education. Don't expect any special treatment, I shall expect you to know just as much as your more experienced classmates. Have you any questions?"

"Professor Snape. I've heard all about you - " Titters from the classroom. "I'm sure I'll be just fine."

He glowered at me. "Don't be so certain, Miss Jade." He strode to the head of the classroom and launched into a lecture on the fine art of coloring potions. I took notes and watched him. He hadn't said anything all that threatening, yet just the same I was scared. It was his tone, his glare, and something else... some deep, indefinable something within me was scared of something about him.

As class let out, he called me to the front. The room emptied quickly and it was just us. He lounged behind his desk, staring at me as I stood, waiting for him to speak. With one fluid motion so quick it startled me, he was leaning forward, eyes locked on mine. "Miss Jade. I don't know what you've been accustomed to with your privilege upbringing, but here you will be respectful. I will not tolerate anymore such comments from you in my classroom. Am I clear?"

I raised my chin, willing myself to not be intimidated. "Perfectly, professor."

"Good. You are excused this first time, as all students are excused the first time, but the second time will mean detention and points deducted from Ravenclaw. Once again, am I clear?"

"Perfectly, professor."

"You are dismissed."


Back in the dorms I told my friends what had happened, and they sympathized. They'd all had a their scenes with Professor Snape over the years.

That night in bed, I thought over the incident. I hadn't expected to be in trouble my first day, but I wasn't worried about that. I was worried about that something in me that feared that something in him. I couldn't place the feeling. Frustrated, I pushed it aside and considered him, Severus Snape. He was very different. He seemed to try to be intimidating, with his long billowing cloak and imposing posture. His eyes were so dark... I drifted off to sleep, thinking of dark eyes.


Author's Notes:

I appreciate any and all comments, constructive criticism, ideas, hints, and of course any praise. Reviews mean a lot to fanfiction authors, so please take a second to say something. Thank you!

Miena