Please Note: This story takes place in the pre-Harry years.
Severus Snape lived his whole life in gray space. He was the potions master at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. But he was one of the Dark Lord's Death Eaters, and a naturally cold person. But he wasn't bad. He spies on the Death Eaters for Professor Dumbledore. But the point is, is that Severus Snape lives his life in the gray area.
It wasn't too far into the school year when a new student came to Hogwarts. Apparently she transfered to Hogwarts from Beauxbatons for personal reasons. One Slytherin said that they thought their father knew hers, and that he was a Death Eater. After that news got out, somehow everyone decided her father was on the run from the ministry, and they had to move to London. This seemed to satasfy all her peers, and even some of the teachers, because not even they knew why she suddenly had to come to Hogwarts. But she was accepted all the same, and sorted as soon as she arrived. Her name was Lyda Monroe, and she was sorted into Slytherin.
Lyda had a very striking appearance. People weren't sure whether to consider her pretty or not, but she certainly had an interesting look to her. Her features were very memorable. She had a very thin build, with perfectly rounded hips. Her face was quite slim and angular. Her hair was long and stick straight. Her skin was frail and snow white. She didn't have much color to her face, but a she did have a few freckles flecked around her nose. But the most unusual thing about her was her eyes. They were very gaunt, but instead of being brown or hazel as you might think with her noticably dark hair, they were glassy and bright blue.
She also proved the be an incredibly proficient student. She wasn't really being challenged by her work at all, so Dumbledore came up with the solution to give her a little extra work. He chose a professor to assign her a new reading project each night, and discuss it the next day with them after all her classes were done. Naturally, Snape was chosen to be the professor, because he was the head of her house.
Ms. Monroe, he said to her one day. Please stay after class, I need to talk to you.
She nodded, and waited patiently as the classroom cleared. She walked up to his desk. He was looking through the books of potions on the bookshelf on the back wall.
You wanted to speak with me, Professor?How do you like it here? At Hogwarts, I mean.Um... Sure.Um, sure?Well, yes.Is everyone treating you well?I suppose. Yeah, they are.Do they respect you?They do?Well, they shouldn't.I see. Why is that?
He finally turned around to face her. His hands fell to his desk, and his eyes inches from hers. Ms. Monroe, respect is something you have to earn. You've been here a mere three days. You have not earned anyone's respect.Is that so? I work hard, I get everything done, and I see there is a lack of that sort of dedication in your house. I believe that's enough to earn the respect from everyone one of your students.You may think you're so sagacious. Well you certainly don't have my respect, and never will. Hopefully your peers will wisen up, and feel the same. Now, what was it I had to tell you...He thought for a moment, and seemed to enjoy the expression of emense repugnance across her face. Ah yes. I was going to tell you that I have been chosen to work with you on some special readings. You seem to be ahead of what we're learning, so I get to assign you readings for a night, and we can discuss them the next day.Great, I'm extatic. Can't some other Professor do this?Don't I wish. But sadly, no. I am the head of your house. Professor Dumbledore asked me. So, I expect you to read the first three chapters of Your Perfect Lethal Draughts and we will discuss it after you have potions. I believe that would be your free time before lunch?I didn't use it anyway, she said rolling her eyes.
So it's settled then. I'll see you tomorrow.Yeah, sure. I have to go now.Leave then.I am.
She was just about to walk out, when Snape spoke. I think I know your father.I bet you do, she said coldly. I can't believe you're one of them.It's not the way you think, you know.Sure. You're all the same.
So I take it you and your dad don't get along?That's personal. She paused. I just know I won't turn out like that.
Snape was silent, then turned back to his potions books, and Lyda left.