"Tirza time to go!" Severus hollered. "I'm coming!" Tirza yelled, throwing on her cloak and running out of the room. "Where is your wand and Archimedes?" Severus asked and Tirza ran back, grabbing her wand from the nightstand and Archimedes' cage. "Ready!" "Good. Now remember, behave on the train and follow Hagrid to the boats," Severus reminded her. "I will dad; I promise. Unless Malfoy bothers me," Tirza stated. "Even if he bothers you don't start anything," Severus stated firmly. "What if HE starts it?" she asked hopefully. "Unless he has you in a position that will cause you bodily harm do not retaliate," Severus admonished her. Tirza sighed. "Alright, alright." she followed him outside to their transportation.
"Remember to not fidget when the sorting hat is placed on you and I promise I don't care where you're put because you will be an asset wherever you're placed," Severus said softly. "You sure? You won't be sad if I get in Gryffindor or Hufflepuff and not Slytherin?" Tirza asked worriedly. "You will do well wherever the hat places you, even if it isn't Slytherin," Severus sighed. "I actually hope it isn't Slytherin because then you and Malfoy wouldn't have chances to cause the house any points. And Tirza, please. I beg do not start your first year off on the wrong foot," Severus stated. "I'll try daddy; can I be on the quidditch team?" "No dear you need to work hard on your studies this year and IF you do well then you may try out for Quidditch in your second year," Severus said.
She frowned "that sucks," she decided. "What if I really suck at potions?" "You won't and even if you do I won't let you fail," Severus vowed. "I'll even tutor you if Miss Granger is unavailable." Tirza smiled. "Cool!" she decided. They were nearing the train station. "I'm nervous," she said suddenly. "What if nobody likes me in my house?" "Tirza no matter where you end up there will always be someone to like you," Severus said. "You already know older students from all the houses and you usually get along really well with them."
"Are you sure? And what if I have nightmares?" Tirza questioned. "Tirza grandpa and I have already told you," Severus sighed going over it again. "If you have nightmares you will be able to come to our quarters anytime you need to."
"What if a prefect yells at me and tells me to go back to my house?" she had Percy in mind when asking this. "The prefects are not to bother you or they will answer to me," Severus said as they pulled up to the train station. Tirza nodded and they entered the train station; she slipped her hand into Severus', keeping an eye out for the Weasleys. "Mum! Can't we take them with us?" called an all too familiar voice. "NO and that's final," Mrs. Weasley's voice boomed as Fred, George, and the rest of the Weasley's came into view. "FRED!" Tirza yelled. "Tirza how nice to see you again," Molly said as she gave her a hug. Tirza hugged molly back. "Hi auntie molly"
"Awesome now I'm not the only girl in the group," Ginny giggled as she and Tirza began chattering away. "yeah, you poor thing, too many boys!'specially Percy," Tirza said, not realizing he was right behind her. "I'd watch out," Percy said quietly. Tirza whirled around. "What do you mean?" she asked, eyeing him. "I'm a prefect and I can do whatever I please," Percy said with an air of authority. "Percival Weasley you behave or I'll send you howlers for a month," Molly snapped. "Tirza same goes for you," Snape said in his warning voice. "Look at the time we must be going," Author said as he pushed everyone toward the barrier. Tirza gave Severus a quick hug, and then ran onto the train with Ginny. "Bye dad I love you!" Tirza called as she and Ginny found an empty compartment.
Within a few moments, Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville had joined them in their compartment. The boys took up a game of exploding snaps while the girls watched and talked. "Anything from the trolley dears?" came a voice at the door of the compartment. Tirza dug the money Severus had given her from her pocket and bought several chocolate frogs and a bag of Bertie Bott's Beans. "You ever had those before?" Ginny asked, pointing to the bag of beans. "No, not this brand, but I love jelly beans." "Be careful," Ron warned her. "They really mean every flavor." Tirza giggled and popped one into her mouth; a horrible look came over her face and she quickly spit out the bean. "Oh my god!" she said, coughing. "That tasted just like fish!" Everyone giggled and Tirza began tossing the beans at them. Soon Bertie's Beans were being tossed everywhere.
"Are you nervous?" Ginny asked after the bean fight. Tirza nodded. "I really want to be in Gryffindor, but I think my dad will be disappointed if I'm not in Slytherin." "That would be funny!" Harry said. "The head of Slytherin's own daughter NOT in Slytherin! And even better, a Gryffindor!" They all laughed. "I want to be in Gryffindor too," Ginny told her. "All my family's been in Gryffindor." "My mom was in Gryffindor," Tirza said. "I don't know about the rest of my family." "Probably all Slytherins on your father's side," Hermione commented. "Yeah," Tirza agreed. "I was so nervous last year," Hermione said. "I kept talking and talking, I was just so nervous." "And that's different, how?" Ron asked. Hermione playfully pushed him over as they all giggled.
"Firs yers foller me!" Hagrid called as everyone disembarked off the train. "That would be us," Ginny sighed. Tirza waved goodbye to the twins, Ron, Hermione and Harry and went with Ginny and got into a boat. "Is this seat taken?" Asked a blond headed boy. Tirza shook her head. "Come on in; what's your name?" "I'm Colin Creevey," Colin said happily. "Ginny Weasley," Ginny said. "Tirza Snape," Tirza said quietly. "Your dad's a teacher right?" Colin asked. Tirza nodded. "Potions." "Cool is he nice?" Colin questioned. Tirza smiled. "I think so! He's cool." "Good cause I'd hate to have horrid teachers my first year," Colin sighed looking out over the lake.
They soon reached the shore and followed Hagrid to the school. "First years this way," Professor McGonagall said as Hagrid deposited them at the entrance. Tirza hurried to follow her as the others looked around in awe at the school. "You are about to embark on a wonderful journey of learning. You will be sorted into one of four houses. Hufflepuff who are noble and trustworthy. Ravenclaw whose members are intelligent and strong, Slytherin whose members are cunning and strong, and Gryffindor whose bravery and loyalty complete the circle," Minerva said. "Your house will be your home. Good deeds and things of good will, will win you house points but bad deeds and misbehavior will cost your house points as well," Minerva went on. "Whichever house you are sorted into remember that this school is your home."
They followed her into the great hall. Tirza smiled and waved at Snape as she walked with the group. "Severus, how are you holding up?" Albus asked as everyone began filing into the hall. "I'm not sure but I guess I'm happy that she is ready for this step," Severus sighed looking at his own house table. "She'll do just fine and I do believe here they come" Albus said as he pointed toward the now opening door. Snape watched the students file in, his mind wheeling with thoughts.
(Snape's thoughts) "Look at her all grown up and even smiling. I just hope she is happy with wherever she is put. Funny child waving at your own dad but I shall give a small wave back just to make her happy. Sheesh Malfoy better stop gapping or I'll have to deduct house points on the first night. Good lot so far being sorted into Slytherin especially that Carroll kid because her sister was just as bright as she seems to be. Uhoh here comes Tirza's name."
Minerva called out "Tirza Snape." Tirza cautiously, nervously walked up and sat on the stool. "Please be Gryffindor," she whispered. "Humm Gryffindor is it? You could do well in Slytherin where your dad was or even Hufflepuff," The hat whispered. "Not Hufflepuff, I wanna be Gryffindor," Tirza whispered back. "Are you sure then?" the hat said. "Yep." "Then GRYFFINDOR it is!" The hat shouted and Gryffindor table broke into thunderous applause. "YES!" Tirza shouted, punching at the air. She ran over to the Gryffindor table, and then looked over at her dad.
(Snape's thoughts) "What's taking so long? I hope she isn't giving the hat too hard of a time. She should be happy with wherever she is sorted. Looks like……… well I know she will do well there. I've got a Gryffindor for a daughter what a shock. I'll keep the smile plastered on my face because I know she wants to see me happy. I am actually happy but I hate to think how this will bode with my tough guy attitude toward gryffindor/slytherin potions classes."
"Ginny Weasley," Minerva finally called out at the end of her list. "Another Weasley I know just where to put you," the hat said and then roared. "Gryffindor!" Tirza clapped loudly and Ginny came to sit beside Tirza. "I'm so happy to have you here dear sister," George mocked as he and Fred jostled for the first roll. The girls rolled their eyes and Hermione passed them a plate of rolls. "Shut up George," Tirza and Ginny said in unison.
After eating, Tirza and Ginny followed Percy as he led the rest of the first years to Gryffindor tower and explained the rules.
"Guess what!" Ginny said excitedly. "We're in the same dorm room!" Tirza and Ginny high fived and raced to their dorm room. There were two other girls already in the room. "Hi!" said a blonde haired girl. "I'm Maddie Davidson." "Ginny Weasley," Ginny shot Maddie a smile. "Tirza Snape," Tirza said, bouncing onto a bed. "Snape?" Maddie said. "I've heard that name before." Her forehead wrinkled in thought. "Like Professor Snape?" Both girls nodded. "Yeah, he's my dad," Tirza told her. Maddie nodded. "That's cool. I bet you're really good at Potions then." Tirza shrugged. And a tall, brown haired girl strode over to them. "I'm Veronica Stanton," she said to Tirza, completely ignoring the other two.
Tirza nodded and Ginny and Maddie introduced themselves. "I know who you both are and I wasn't talking to either of you!" Veronica snapped. The three girls frowned. "Well that's not nice," Tirza said. Veronica shrugged. "I'm not allowed to be around girls like them," she indicated. The scowls on the girls' faces grew darker. "And why not?" Maddie demanded. Veronica sniffed haughtily. "Because their not as good as our families," she informed Tirza. "Why you got put here and not in Slytherin I'll never know!" Tirza spat back. "You're just being mean. Come on girls, let's go look at the new Teen Witch." Ginny and Maddie left the dorm room with Tirza, not giving Veronica a second glance.
Two hours later, Ginny, Maddie and Tirza sat in front of the fire in the common room, talking and giggling. "It's late, we should try and sleep," Ginny said. "I guess so," Tirza replied. "Goodnight Tirza, Ginny, Maddie," Hermione called out as they reached the bend in the staircase where the 1st year girls room was. "goodnight!" they shouted back. "Did u bring your rabbit?" Tirza whispered. "Of course" Ginny smiled. "He's hiding under my pillow." Tirza smiled. "Molly's under mine, too." "You brought stuffed animals?" maddie whispered. Ginny and Tirza nodded. "I brought my rabbit, her name is Ears," Maddie told them.
"About time you came to bed," Veronica called from behind her curtains. "Unlike you we like to socialize," Ginny retorted. "It's fun to hang out down there," Tirza said. "You shoulda stayed down longer. Just because your rich, doesn't mean your cooler; everyone would welcome you if you were nice," Tirza said. "So true," Ginny agreed. "We may not have much but we sure have fun." "Money doesn't matter; FRIENDS is what matters," Tirza added. "And family!" Ginny said.
"Father always says that your friends are what make or break you," Maddie said dreamily. "I would rather have all kinds of friends then those that if I don't meet their standards will leave." "That's right," Tirza said. "And it's not right to make people feel bad because they don't drive a convertible or whatever." "Well if you feel that way I'm sorry but I do as I'm told," Veronica said as she shut her curtains with a snap and began to pretend to snore.
Tirza shrugged and dug out molly from under her pillow. "Be quiet you babies," Veronica snapped from behind her curtain. "I'm trying to sleep." "Be quiet you old crab," Maddie shot back. "We should go to bed though," Ginny said. "Goodnight all," Ginny called as she snuggled down in bed. "Goodnight!" Tirza called. "Goodnight," Maddie said back.
A few hours later, when most of the people in Gryffindor tower were asleep Tirza started kicking around in her bed. "Huh?" Ginny said rubbing her eyes and trying to adjust to the darkness. Tirza was kicking and began muttering things. "Tirza?" Ginny called out. She could finally start to make out what she was saying. "Don't" she mumbled several times. "Tirza?" Maddie questioned as she got up and walked over to her bed. After a moment, Tirza stopped kicking, but was sweating and breathing very funny.
"I'm going to get McGonagall," Ginny whispered as she fled the room. She ran all the way to McGonagall's chambers. "What is the meaning of this?" McGonagall demanded as she opened her door. "Professor, something's wrong with Tirza, she's acting all weird and she's making weird sounds when she breaths!" Ginny told her. "Oh dear!" McGonagall exclaimed. "Let's go check shall we?" "Please hurry," Ginny said. When they returned, Tirza was making almost strangled noises, shaking like she was having a seizure, whiter then the sheets. "Tirza what in merlins name is wrong?" McGonagall asked worriedly. Tirza didn't answer, still breathing strangely. "This isn't good," Maddie said softly. "Tirza wake up dear," McGonagall said as she slightly shook the girl. Tirza screamed at McGonagall's touch and sat straight up, then screamed again and burst into tears.
"Maddie go find Filch he will be able to get professor Snape," McGonagall told her as she again tried to get Tirza to respond. Each time McGonagall reached out to touch Tirza, she screamed and cried harder. "Tirza Snape, snap out of it!" McGonagall finally said giving her a hard shake. "Professor, Filch said he would bring Professor Snape here right away," Maddie said breathlessly when she returned. Tirza moved away from the woman's touch as if it burned her; she was starting to breathe funny again and couldn't scream any more. "I've got to move her because their is a protection on each of the girls dorm rooms and Professor Snape will not be allowed to enter," she said as she went to pick up the young girl.
Tirza tried to scoot away, but Minerva finally caught her and Tirza gave another scream. "I'm sorry but it's for your own good," McGonagall said as she carried her down the steps just as Snape rushed through the portrait. "One of these days that fat lady is going to sing her last," Snape grumbled. "Severus I'm sorry to wake you but Tirza seems to have had a nightmare," McGonagall said. "What? Oh no," Severus replied as he rushed forward and took Tirza from her arms. Tirza threw up all over him.
By now, there was a crowd gathering to find out what was going on. "Ewww disgusting," cried a few second years from the front of the crowd. "All of you back to bed," McGonagall said firmly. "Or I'll be forced to give detentions." "Sweetheart, what is wrong?" Severus asked as he did a quick cleaning spell. The crowd slowly headed back to their rooms, just as Tirza threw up again. "Daddy, it burns," she said, trying to rub away invisible things on her arms. "I will leave this in your capable hands Severus," McGonagall said as she swept from the room. "What burns sweetheart?" Severus asked very worried. "It burns," she said again, still rubbing.
"Sweetheart you have to help me here because I do not understand. What is burning?" Severus asked gently as he sat down in one of the wing chairs facing the fire. "All over, it burns it hurts," she said almost frantically. "Do we need to go see Poppy?" Severus questioned. She shook her head no and finally stopped rubbing. "Daddy," she whispered. "Let's go back to our quarters," Severus said gently picking her up and climbing back through the portrait hole. "You be good," The fat lady called out sleepily. Tirza buried her head in his shoulder, crying.
"Is she alright professor?" Filch questioned as they passed him on the landing before the steps leading to their quarters. "Yes Argus she is thank you," Severus replied quietly as he descended the stairs and unlocked their chambers. "Daddy make it go away," she begged. "Just a second baby," He said as he kicked the door shut and walked into his bed chambers. "I need to put you down so I can get everything, alright?" Severus asked as he neared the bed. She allowed him to put her down, then curled up into a little ball, sobbing. "Accio Molly," Severus called and then went to the cabinet knowing it would be a few before the animal arrived. Just as he came out of the washroom, Molly floated into the room and landed on the bed beside Tirza. Tirza grabbed molly and squeezed her tight, digging her nails into the animal she was holding on so hard.
"You need to drink this and you will feel better," Snape said holding out a slightly steaming potion. She reached out with shaking hands for the potion and quickly drank it, then held her arms out to him. He held her tight and they just sat there rocking for some time. Severus noticed that she had finally fallen asleep and he tucked her gently into bed and got changed and then snuggled beside her and fell into a dreamless sleep.
Severus sat in the sitting room drinking coffee when Tirza, looking incredibly sleepy and still rather pale, slowly shuffled into the room. "Good morning sweetheart," Severus said quietly as he opened his arms to her. "Hi," she whispered and crawled onto his lap. "I don't really remember everything last night," she said softly. "I remember being here, but I don't remember how I got here." "You had a nightmare in your dorm room and wouldn't calm down so they sent for me," Severus replied. "You got sick and I decided that it would be best if you spent the night here." Tirza nodded. "I remember somebody holding me, but it wasn't you. And I remember a lot of voices. Where people watching?"
"Professor McGonagall was holding you until I could get there," Severus said. "Yes people did see some of it besides your roommates, but McGonagall shooed them away." "Oh boy," she muttered. "Now everyone is going to think that I'm crazy." "No dear not at all," Severus said quietly. "I know for a fact many children in this place have nightmares." "But do they scream all over the place and have to have their daddy come?" she asked softly. "I would imagine some would love for their mum or dad to be there," Severus replied. "I know for a fact that someone even in my house has been known to scream once in awhile when they are having nightmares."
"Really?" Tirza asked. "Who?" "You know I can't tell you that," Severus sighed as he picked her up. "We best get your potion and then head down for breakfast." "Are you sure people wont think I'm crazy?" she asked. "Not at all," Severus assured her. "I know some might snigger, but most everyone will be more concerned that you are alright." "I hope so." she took her potion and he summoned her robes her for her change into and they headed for breakfast.