A/N: I hope you all enjoyed that very much, and here's the next chapter of this interesting tale. This is very interesting...I've been averaging one chapter/day. Wow....I've never done anything near that amount before. Here's chapter 5, enjoy! I think we'll go in for another point of view...

Midnight Lilly: Thanks so much for reviewing! What a good idea...weird I didn't think of that myself....haha. Yeah well, I don't think it's so much that she's more mature, it's more that she's ... just wired differently...especially having been raised a muggle. I like that idea though, I might use it :) Interesting actually that you said that...because in one of the chapters I've already written, there's a diary entry where she's wondering how she's going to make money now that she's at school! Thanks a bunch!

:A/N

Chapter 5
Perspectives

Severus Snape sat in his dungeons thoughtfully for a long time before remembering that he should go to dinner. There was something so strange about that Hatwell girl. At first he thought that she just had a different disposition than the others. The more he thought however, the more he knew she was so much more than that. He had never met anyone with that depth of perception. She clearly could see right though him, or nearly anyway. That was another thing. Did he want someone to be able to see right through him? From what she had said to him about her own life, she was a lot like him in many ways.

The difference,

He thought with a hint of anger in his low, rumbling voice.

Is that I'm a beast. She's Beauty, and I'm the Beast. Somehow she managed to come out of whatever horrible life she was hinting at, and look like nothing was amiss. Her eyes betrayed no hint of suffering, that is, unless she didn't think anyone was watching.

No that's right. She let me see her suffering, let me see something's wrong. More than I ever did for anyone. Somehow to everyone else she looks charmingly blissful.

He chuckled dryly.

How do you manage it Miss Hatwell?

- -
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- -

Celsea woke up before the rest of her dorm-mates. She wasn't usually an early riser, and she was glad that she was creating this new habit. Mostly she was glad to be rid of the silly girls in her dorm earlier than she normally would have been. She heard them talking about her in hushed voices when they thought she was asleep, fortunately for her, feigning sleep was something she had grown adept at since early childhood. She was not one to ever truly fall asleep until late at night. Unfortunately, this new habit of getting up early and staying up late was causing dark circles to begin forming around her eyes. She could talk to someone about switching dorms, but where would she switch into? She wished, for the millionth time that she had been sorted into Gryffindor. Maybe she could get switched out. Even with the little she knew about the wizarding world, she felt this was highly unlikely. She could talk to Dumbledore about getting her guitar back, and then she could practice in some abandoned classroom if she ever had spare time on her hands.

Finally, she forced herself out of the warm green blankets and comfortable bed, and she put on a t-shirt, jogging trousers and trainers, and pulled back her hair. She left the castle, and began to go for a run around the grounds. She passed the Quidditch pitch, and realized she still didn't understand the game. Finally, she found herself at the Lake, and stopped running. There was a figure on the beach, tall and dark, and standing up on a rock, protruding over the water, and cutting off into a steep cliff. She recognized the figure as Professor Snape and wondered if she should approach him. Deciding in favour, she half ran, half climbed up the large rock, and stood beside him.

Miss Hatwell?

He looked over at her with a quirked eyebrow, and an expression that clearly said something along the lines of what are you doing here?'. She didn't answer right away, and caught her breath.

Went for a run. It's a beautiful morning, don't you think?

He turned back towards the lake.

It is.

She didn't say anything to that. She felt fresh, and awake from her run, and merely standing there and admiring nature was enough for her. Soon the sun began to rise, and the world went from pale shades of grey, to violent pinks and golds. Her green eyes sparkled with the newfound light, and the sun revealed her freckled cheeks, rouged by nature. She didn't notice Snape staring at her, until she looked over at him mischievously.

I'll race you back.

Her face was merry and mischievous.

You'll what?I'll race you back to the school.I beg your pardon?Don't tell me you're too dignified to have a race. Or are you afraid of a girl of sixteen who's been raised as a muggle to beat you?

Her face was now aglow with the pleasure of challenging a teacher to a race. Had she came to Hogwarts in ordinary circumstances, she may not have dared to suggest such a thing to Snape, however, a grin found itself in his face. She giggled with glee, and on a yell of

She was off. She knew that he wouldn't be able to keep up in his robes, but all of a sudden she saw him waiting for her with his arms folded behind his back by the school gate. She sped up, and soon came to the gates.

You were the one who failed to specify the terms of the race, Miss Hatwell.

Her face contorted into a mock pout and suddenly she realized that she was very hungry.

I don't know about you, but I'm starving. she sniffed. And I need a shower.

Grinning she hurried back into the castle, and cleaned herself up in the dorm. Thankfully everyone was still asleep and she had the place to herself. They would be awake soon though, so she had best hurry. She dressed in her school robes, but dared today to add some of her own eccentricity to the outfit, and then she made her way down to the great hall. By that time, the hall was beginning to fill up with students, and food was appearing on the table. She sat down at the Slytherin table and wolfed down every morsel in front of her, except for the meat and eggs. Breakfast always tastes so much better after a good run. She finished so quickly, that when she looked up, she realized she still had loads of time before she had to be at her next lesson.

The post was arriving, and looking up expectantly, Celsea caught sight of her owl, Felaldred, carrying a letter. Her heart was filled with happiness as she tore it open and read the contents.

Dear Celsea,
It's great that you love the castle. Hogwarts is an amazing place. Slytherin eh? I was in Gryffindor. I guess I hoped you would be too, but no matter. I don't even know the point of having houses. All it does is create tension between the students. I can see why Hermione is upset. You should still make friends with her, even though you may not see her much.
How are you enjoying Professor Snape? I hope he's not been a bother to you at all? I know several students don't like him, and not many liked him while he was a student. Don't let Harry give you his opinion of him either.
Well things are as usual here, Mrs. Weasley was delighted to hear from you, although she too hoped you might make a Gryffindor. I think she hoped you might be a good example for Ginny, who is becoming more and more like Fred and George as she gets older.
Well, that's about all right now. Write back soon.
-Remus

She was delighted to hear such a positive report from Remus, although it was hard for her to hear so many people who expected her to be in Gryffindor. It made her feel like she had let them down.

Soon it was time to go to classes. She had Defense Against the Dark Arts today. She had enjoyed learning about this class with Professor Snape, and hoped that the new teacher would teach it similarly. She found the classroom without too much help from her map, and waited around until everyone found their usual seat and she took the one left over. Not surpassingly it was off to the side.

All right class. Wands away, quills out!

She was surprised at this announcement, and the voice. The teacher looked as if she was a frog, and she was dressed in the most despicable clothing Celsea had ever seen. Her voice had a vulgar tone, that was more than smothered with a thick coating of sugary sweetness. The voice alone was enough to make her want to retch. Suppressing a shudder, she took out her quill and ink.

Okay class, I am Professor Umbridge, and I want you all to open your textbooks to chapter 1 and read it silently to yourselves. You may wish to take notes.

The class looked sullen, and flipped open their books. Celsea looked at it dully. Not at all like what Professor Snape had showed her the day before. She read it quickly, and pretended to be copying out notes while waiting for the class to end. She thought she had been rid of classes like these when she left the world of muggle schooling.

Draco Malfoy was looking at her. She could not think why, so she ignored him and continued drawing pictures on her parchment. After class he came up to her.

Hey Hatwell. There's a Hogsmeade weekend coming up, would you like to meet up with me and go for coffee or something?

She looked at him as if he had lost his mind, and then grinned slyly.

But won't the coffee stain your precious white teeth?Oh, I suppose you're right. We had better go somewhere else. How about I get you something from Honeydukes and we walk around a bit?

She kept herself from laughing. It took all her power, but she did it. She tried to think of something witty to counter that, but she had exhausted all her mental energy into keeping herself from laughing.

Don't be ridiculous.

He looked shocked, and she walked away without another word. Hogwarts was getting stranger and stranger. She met Hermione on the way to the Great Hall.

Hey Celsea. Haven't talked to you much since the beginning of school.True. Ron was right about the Slytherins by the way.When he said they were a bunch of baddies. Yep. The funniest thing just happened today.

Hermione laughed.

What was it?Well, all through Defense Against the Dark Arts,

She couldn't get any more out, however because Draco came striding by them.

Oh so that's it Hatwell. You're choosing to spend your time with mudbloods like Granger. You can count on not seeing me at Hogsmeade this weekend.

Celsea could not stand it any longer, and she burst out into a fit of giggles.

Malfoy, I was never going to show up.Sure you'd say that now.Get out you little fart.

He looked extremely angered, and stormed away. Celsea giggled for quite some time after that.

I take it that had something to do with it?

Said Hermione, equally as amused.

Yeah, all through Defense Against the Dark Arts he was staring at me, and I was like, whatever...and then after class he comes up and asks me to meet him at a coffee shop at Hogsmeade...wherever that is.Hogsmeade is a wizarding village. We go there some weekends.Ah...and then I asked him if the coffee wouldn't stain his teeth, and he agreed that it wasn't a good idea to go there, so we had better go to Honeydukes and he'd buy me something and walk around with me.

Both girls laughed and laughed. Professor Snape passed them by on their rather slow walk towards the Great Hall.

Mind you don't explode, Miss Hatwell, Miss Granger.

There was no trace of emotion on his face as he glided past them, and Hermione looked quizzically at Celsea, who shrugged. Finally they were at the Great Hall.

I wish you could sit with us.

Celsea found herself wishing she could sit with the Gryffindors as well.

Is it not allowed? Or is it something that's just become tradition?

Hermione looked thoughtful.

I'll look it up after classes. If it's not, I'd love for you to come eat with us, you could even have my chair.

Celsea smiled at her generosity. No one had ever shared like that before, not since she was very little.

I'll look forward to it.

With that she walked over towards the Slytherin table and ate her fill. She finished unexpectedly quickly, and walked over to the Gryffindor table, ignoring the whispers among her fellow Slytherins.

Hey Celsea!

She was greeted by Harry, Ron and Hermione, and felt happy that there were people around who did not despise her - or in the case of people like Draco - think she was nothing more than a prize to be won.

How're the Slytherins treating you?

This was Ron. She laughed at his comical face grinning above a plate heaped full of food.

Ah they're horrid.And Professor Snape?

This was Harry, and she noticed that he didn't look quite so jokingly at her.

He's been great. Taught me loads.

All the Gryffindors within hearing range looked shocked to hear that someone could possibly find extra time with Severus Snape enjoyable.

Well, it must be because you're in Slytherin.

She shrugged, and sat on the half of the chair that Hermione so kindly made available for her. After they had chatted amiably for a while, Ron looked up thoughtfully.

I wonder if we might make you an honorary Gryffindor.How do you mean?Well, she could go to the classes with the Slytherins, and she could eat with us. Maybe she could also have access to our Common Room.You know Ron, that might not be a bad idea.

This was Hermione who was looking very pleased to have other people thinking along the same lines as her.

I'll talk to Dumbledore.

And that was that. Everyone else had classes to go to, and Celsea had to see Professor Snape.

She found him in the classroom as usual, and was again welcomed with the bizarre smell of all the various potions ingredients.

I see you are getting along with the Gryffindors very well these days.Well, the Slytherins are being beastly to me, so I don't have much choice. Besides, Hermione's great.

He looked dubiously at her, and was that a pained look she saw in his eyes? Whatever it was, it was replaced by his usual emotionless, yet sharp stare.

Well, if you've found friends then I won't complain. So, you had your first Defense Against the Dark Arts class today?Yes, and it was horrid.You seemed to be laughing enough with Hermione afterwards to make it look like you had a very enjoyable time.Oh, that happened afterwards. The class itself was absolutely dull...all we did was read from a textbook about how to avoid confrontations.And what happened after class?Oh that...Draco Malfoy asked me if I wanted to meet him for coffee at Hogsmeade this weekend.And I take it from your reaction you said no and laughed at him?

There was another glimmer of resentment in his eyes there, and she hoped she had not offended him. Perhaps he was on good terms with Malfoy.

Well, he was being absolutely ridiculous about it. He changed his mind later because I told him the coffee might stain his teeth.

Snape grinned a crooked yellow grin, and Celsea knew then that such a man could never have been on good terms with Malfoy.

Listen, I know you're not on the best of terms with the Slytherins, so I was thinking about speaking to Professor Dumbledore and asking if you might have your own room. Would you like that?

Celsea chewed on her lip. A part of her wanted to say yes, she wanted to be on her own, and away from those silly girls, but she realized that that would just make her look spoiled, and like she couldn't handle what was going on in there.

I think...that if Professor Dumbledore knew my situation, he would agree that it would not be a good idea.

A steely glint grew in her eye, and a questioning look formed in his.

I'd be called a coward. I don't want to give them anything close to the impression that I'm a spoiled brat. Hermione, Ron, and Harry are already asking if I can eat with them instead. I think that's enough.

At the name Harry' a murderous look came into his eye.

So you're taking refuge with the Gryffindors, and dear Harry Potter.

There was such bitterness in his voice, expression, and indeed his whole being that she stepped backwards.

Can I go nowhere without being surrounded by Harry Potter admirers?!

There was pure malice in his tone now, and she grew frightened. She took more than one pace further backwards.

I'm not...Of course you would say you weren't!! I know you are, you endure me, because you have to. Now you're running off to the wonderful Harry Potter who will save you from the nasty Slytherins!

Her face whitened, and she backed up even more, as she saw his hands clenching his desk, and his face consumed with anger.

I think, Professor... she spoke carefully, That it would be best if I left.Yes, that's right. Go run away to dearest Harry!

Celsea left the room in such a hurry she left an attractively coloured notebook behind. She did not run away to dearest Harry', but her feet took her back to the large rock she stood on with Professor Snape that morning. A part of her hoped he would not come here in anger, but another part of her wished that the Professor Snape who had wanted to help her yesterday would. She picked up pebbles and threw them into the water with determination born of anger.

Felaldred was wheeling in the sky above her and landed next to her. Inspired, she took out some parchment and wrote a letter to Remus.

Dear Remus,
Well, things were going well until today really. None of the Slytherins like me, but Harry, Ron and Hermione are being very friendly.
This brings me to what made today so horrible. Well, Professor Snape was suggesting that he ask Professor Dumbledore to get me my own room, because the Slytherins are being absolutely beastly to me, and I mentioned that I didn't want to be seen as a snob, and I also didn't want to be seen as a coward who couldn't handle their taunts. Hermione wanted to ask if I was allowed to eat with them in the Great Hall, and Ron came up with the idea of making me an Honorary Gryffindor', which I think is brilliant. Anyway, I mentioned this to professor Snape, and he made all these taunts about me taking refuge with the Gryffindors and dearest Harry Potter' and stuff like that. He really scared me...I've never even seen my uncle that angry.
I left, without learning anything that day, which wasn't very fun, and to make matters worse, I left my diary in his office. I don't really care if he goes through and reads it, but I don't want to have to go back and get it from him if he's in a mood like that.
I don't understand this anger about Harry...he seems like a decent person...so why does Professor Snape hate him so much?
That's about all I have time for today.
-Celsea

PS. Draco Malfoy asked if I would meet him for coffee at Hogsmeade this weekend. I said no.

Satisfied, she tied the new letter to Felaldred's leg and told her to find Remus. A reply came while she was still lounging on the rock.

Celsea,
Sounds like you've been having an exciting time. Meet me at Honeydukes in Hogsmeade this weekend, and I'll explain everything to you. It's too much to say, and too hard to convey through a letter.
-Remus

PS. Tell me all about what you said to Draco when I see you!

She laughed, but wished he would have said more in the letter. She stowed it in a pocket in her robes, and lay about on the rock for a while longer. A big black dog approached the rock, but shied away from it when it saw she was there.

Hey puppy!

Celsea smiled and crooned to it, but it didn't come anywhere near her. She seemed to be seeing big back dogs everywhere lately. There was Veritas, and the dog that was Harry's Godfather, and now this one. They were all different in their own way. This one looked slightly greasy and mangy, and held its tail between its legs like a dog that's been kicked and abused all its life. When she finally stopped trying to coax the dog near her, it left abruptly, and she sighed. She had wished it would have come closer.

At dinner that night, she learned from Hermione that Dumbledore had granted their request. She gleefully took her place next to Hermione, and across from Harry and Ron, all the while conscious of the stormy glare of Professor Snape from the High Table.

Her time on the rock, and her letter to Remus had calmed her some, and she resolved that she would try to talk to him that night. Perhaps she could manage it. At the very worst he would just get angry again. It was better to try to mend things than waiting around in this uncomfortable silence all the time.

A/N: Well this one is getting to be rather long, so I will cut it off here. I promise you'll hear about her talk with Snape. Poor Sev... :A/N