Disclaimer: I do not own anything of J.K Rowling's or anyone accotiated with the Harry Potter books, movies, etc. I only own my plot and characters.

A/N: What the heck? Ok.. Is it just me or is Snape eternally evil now? I'm glad I'm not assotiating any of the book events with my trilogy, for that would mean writing it all over again. Ok, I still love snapey no matter what lol. on with the fic. Gwen, you are back, and I am therefore very..v.v.v.v.v.v happy. (does a dance) oh yeah sorry bout taking longer than I said. I got stuck cuz my floppy disc wouldn't load correctly cuz the comp sux monkey ass. Sorry it took so long but here's your long awaited chappy Gwen. So so s.s.s.s.s.s.sorry

Chapter 28: Snape-o-Phobia

Gwenny and her date, Kyle Ferguson from the Slytherin House, found their way to our group after the slow dance. Kyle was really nice, a boy from the Amercan Wizarding School, who transferred in his second year due to personal reasons. He didn't like the school he was attending anymore, so he came to Hogwarts. Gwen wasn't his girlfriend, but they were really close friends.

Someone needs to tell Vernoica she has something pink in her teeth...Oh nevermind, Harry told her. Apparently it was frosting from a cupcake. should have left it there..Just for humiliation. I shall nickname her Pink Teeth and she shall be my squishy... I will squish her alright, until she pops!

"Hey gang," Draco walked over to my group of friends, "I just wanted to inform you of something I overheard Dumbledore saying to Snape as they walked past me. I guess everyone in the E.Y.P has to decide which professor they will assist by next week. I don't really know why we weren't notified yet, but I'm sure ol' Dumbledore will tell us tomorrow at breakfast."

Ron coughed, "Then why did you bother telling us now if we're just going to know in the morning?"

With a slight smile Draco spoke, "I thought you all would like to know considering a lot of you passed the test. Well, tata for now." He turned on his heel and left our sight.

We have to pick our plans for next year already? Gah! I wasn't even sure what I'd do tomorrow nevermind next year. Ok, I'm freaking out again... Calm down Manic-Mara...Calm the hell down. . . .and get back to dancing with Seamus. Ok, I'm dancing, can't think of who to help in classes..

Snape?

Nah...

"You having fun?" Seamus broke me out of thinking too hard.

I answered sheepishly, "Yeah.."

"Somethin' wrong?" He seemed concerned, but I shook my head.

"No, I'm just not sure who to pick to help next year. I think I might ask..."

Seamus pushed the subject, "Who?"

"Uhh," I gulped, "Snape..or Lockhart.."

Shocked, Seamus shouted, "Why them?"

I replied quickly, seeing Lockhart walking closer to us, "Because I love potions, despite who teaches it, and my best grade is in Defense. I have an A- in Potions, but I don't think he'll accept my request."

Choosing not to see Gilderoy Poptart at this time, Seamus and I went to get some punch. Afterwards, I noticed it was almost time to leave. It had been the nicest dance ever, with no mess-ups from moi. Now onto the last dance! I can't believe I actually made it through the whole night without being a loser! Hazzah!

Everyone was paired up with their date, swaying back and forth to the beat of the song. Glancing over Seamus' shoulder, I spotted Snape glaring like a pitbull at the students. This instantly made my stomach churn. Maybe asking him to be my E.Y.P instructor wouldn't work. I'd probably end up chickening out...Or worse, twiddle my damned thumbs. Snape's eyes met with mine from across the room. I froze..He probably wasn't looking at me after all.. I'm just paranoid. My eyes fell to the ground as though he had defeated them.

0o0o0o0o

Saturday morning and nothing to do. After the dance last night, all of my friends gathered in the Gryffindor Common Room to relive the dance. When the clock struck 1..in the morning...we decided to finally sleep. Thank God too, for one more minute and I would have passed out on someone's leg.

Lying in bed for a few more minutes, I felt a thump on my bed. Hermione sat at the edge, grinning like a half-wit.

"What?" My greeting wasn't too cheerful.

Hermione explained herself, "I am going to ask Professor McGonagall to be her apprentice next year. I heard about who you wanted to ask...Which is why I'm smiling."

"Erm," I sat up, confused, "Care to detail a little further? Why is it making you smile?"

"It's making me smile because I also heard that Draco wants to ask Snape to be his aid next year. Your sleepy-head missed breakfast this morning, at which I heard Draco spreading around that he wants to ask Snape Monday after classes. This is the perfect opportunity to force yourself to ask, before your chance is up. I know your thinking that you'll be horrible in Potions next year, but you only got into Advanced Potions because you are good at it. You have your off-days, but who doesn't? Even Snape had his off-day yesterday with the Cupid incident. So, what do you say? Care to take a stroll to the dungeons this morning?" The smile planted on Hermione's enlightened face stayed.

Without speaking a single word, I got out of bed and dove under it to get my clothing trunk. I had to get changed quickly to beat Draco at his own race.

"Ok, I'm ready.." I looked at Hermione and at my clothes. I wore a black, button-down, long-sleeve shirt and black pants. Black socks too, but anyone could've guessed that.

Hermione laughed, "Are you going to a funeral?"

"No," I chuckled a bit too, "I think I'm going to pull a subtle, suck up to Snape thing. I'll only dress in all black, but won't act like him."

"Yeah, like that's going to work.. Let's just go. I'm going with you for moral support." Standing up, Hermione motioned for us to leave the dorms.

The dungeons weren't as chilly in the morning as the night or afternoon. Maybe because this was the only time the sun actually entered here. Hermione and I walked side-by-side, taking up half of the hall. Some Slytherins passed by, practically pushing us into the wall. I took it upon myself to shout and swear at them in Italian.

"So," Hermione said as we approached the Potions door, "Do you need me in there or not? He might take a fit that you need support to ask a simple question."

I shook my head, "I can do this. You don't have to go in with me. Just yell if Draco comes down. He might change his mind and pick today to ask."

She nodded in understanding. I guess I decided Gilderoy would not be my greatest choice to work with year-round. I would be sick of dealing with Poptarts everyday. Yet, with Snape everyday, I could recieve a new phobia.. I would be scared of him murdering or yelling at me everyday.

I had Snape-o-phobia.

Knocking on the door, Snape's voice called, telling me to enter. He was apparently shocked to see me.

"Miss Maguire," I utterly hated how he said my name, "how can I help you?"

Taking a few steps into the room, I clearly stated, "I need to talk to you about next year." So far, so good.

"E.Y.P's, correct?" Snape asked, and went on seeing my nodding head, "What's your question?"

I went on, trying not to twiddle my thumbs, "I was wondering if maybe I could work with you next year, as part of the program. I know I'm not the best student, but I've really tried to keep my grades up this year, despite all the drama I went through."

Snape stood up from his desk, "You would be willing to put up with Potions for a year, everyday, even sometimes on weekends?"

"Actually," My enthusiasm kicked in finally, "I would love to. This is probably one of my best classes, even though we sometimes have trouble getting along.

"What exactly do you plan on doing after the year is over? Go to college? Become a Potions professor?" Snape had bombarded me with the most overwhelming questions I ever heard from a teacher.

I thought for a moment, and at last knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to, as Snape said, be a Potions professor. It was the one thing I was good at, despite all the trouble he gave me in class. Even though I had my screw ups, it didn't prevent me from doing well on other days. Every teacher or worker goes through stress before than can achieve greatness.

"Yes.." I answered, "I want to be a Potions professor. Either that or work in counter-curse or aid potions. At least I would be helpful."

Condsidering my question, my new goals, and myself, Snape replied, "Alright."

I stood silently, not sure why he said alright.

"You can work with me next year.. On one condition." Snape saw that I was listening closely, and pressed on, "No rude attitudes. I don't want to start our quarelling again, even though I would love to give you a million detentions. Next year will be fine if we can work cooperatively. Agreed?"

Smiling broadly, I agreed, "Yes, Professor Snape."

"Just wondering," He sounded curious, "Who else were you considering to work with next year?"

Shaking my head unbelievably, I admitted, "Professor Lockhart. No offense, but I don't think I could stay that perky year-round to put up with him."

"I don't think anyone could," Snape half-smiled.

No more conversation, I left the room proudly, ready to tell Hermione the good news. Maybe Snape-o-phobia wouldn't bother me too much. Who knows, maybe there's a cure somewhere.