Author's Note: I'd really appreciate some reviews. This is my very first fan fic and I'd really like to know how I'm doing. I love hearing the good stuff, but I'm also up for constructive critisism!

Chapter 4: A Day of Firsts

As the days passed, Elza studied and worked hard. All throughout the week, people talked about her skirmish with Malfoy. As for Malfoy himself, any time she was in his vicinity, she could feel him glaring at her. What she didn't know was that Draco had actually been attracted to her, but had made the rude comments to her only to have the chance to speak with her. their fight only intrigued him more. NEver ahd he met a girl with such fire and vivacity. He decided he'd continue admiring from afar and never attempt to tell her how he felt, for he knew now that she despised him. And what did he expect?

Elza continued through her day in good spirits. It was Friday and she was looking forward to the weekend. She was going to hang out with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. Yes! Potions class just finished and the weekend is here! "Miss Ocean," Snape drawled. "You look quite eager to serve your detention. You'll, of course, be serving an extra long one tonight since there are no classes tomorrow." That's right. I forgot about detention. "Right Professor! What have we to do today?"

I've never witnessed someone in such a jovial mood in my company, much less while serving detetnion. "We sahll be gathering the roots needed for next week's potions," he responded almost pleasantly. For some reason, he couldn't help enjoying Elza's presence. She IS smart. He could tell that she was at least as smart as the know-it-all Gryffindor, if not smarter. But I also see that she is a carefree, fun-loving spirit. She doesn't reserve all her passion for her studies. They'd begun walking the grounds in search of redroot.

"How are you enjoying Hogwarts," he askedrather uncharacteristically. "Other than Malfoy, I love it," she replied, beaming. Suddenly she had a sneezing fit. She sounded like a little cat sneezing. He chuckled, which was a sound that no one had heard before, and surprising them both, handed her his handkerchief. "Bless you," he said. "Thanks!"

They finally found a rather large area covered in redroot and began digging some up. "Sir, there's something I've wanted to ask you." "Go on," he said with an eyebrow raised. "Well, I'm struggling a bit in your class. May I start coming in after school for help?" She had a look of hope spread on her face, and he a look of astonishment. "I...uh...suppose we could arrange that," he spluttered, "but I must ask that you help me with such things as this, since I will be taking the time to help you." She flung her arms around him and squealed with delight. "Thank you, Professor!" "You're welcome. Now kindly remove yourself from my person."

He was starting to slip into the old, familiar scowl she hadn't seen since they'd come out for the redroot. This woman brings out a side of me I never knew. In fact, he knew he was in danger of forming a friendship with her. His scowl deepend. Elza noticed this and was troubled.

She tossed a redroot at his head. "Stop scowling!" For a moment he was speechless. How dare that insolent wench! "Miss Ocean!" And she tossed another, which hit him square in the forehead. She burst out laughing. "Think that's funny do you!" He chucked a root at her, but she kept laughing. Before they knew it, they were lobbing roots at eachother. "Right...we'd better gather these roots and get back," she said, panting from all the laughter. Snape gave a hearty laugh (another first). It made her knees weak. "Yes, and your detention is up anyway," he said. They walked back to the castle, arms loaded with redroot. Both were truly happy. For Severus it was the first time in his life.