Title: Snape's Private Hell

Author: Madelynn Rae

Description: It appears that Snape has been found out for his position as a spy, and Dumbledore feels he is not safe in the wizard world. Snape is sent to a very unusual place, where no one could possibly find him.

Disclaimer: I don't own Snape, but god I wish I did.

Thanks to kjady, Erin, uncannyinstigator, Alynna Lis Eachann, Dianatyne, wolvfbfn, and krirobe.

To krirobe, he does have his wand, but he has to keep it hidden and he can't use it in the Muggle world, because no one's supposed to know he's a Wizard.

I hope you all like it so far, give me more feedback, and tell me how the story could improve or where it should go!

The weekend after had been awkward, and the two people didn't talk to each other much at all. They were both dreading Monday, where they'd have to associate with each other and be in the same room, sitting only a few feet apart from each other. They didn't hate each other, of course not… but for their own reasons, neither wanted to admit any feelings.

Saturday night, Snape sat in his room, scribbling out a short note to Dumbledore.

"Dumbledore,

Things are just lovely here in Nebraska, how wonderful of you to pick such a place for me. (Note the sarcasm dripping from the page? Yes, the whole letter is full of it.)

I've come across some interesting information; Muggles have magic. I think the young woman I'm living with calls it Wicca. Did you know about this? Their magic seems to be more spiritual, however, than realistic and tangible, like ours. Apparently it works, #######(A/N: Something crossed out here) Miss Aislynn has told me of some of her 'spells' that have been quite effective. I've asked her to demonstrate one to me; a spell that reveals one's true feelings about something. She hasn't mentioned what the something is yet, which worries me slightly.

Reply soon.

S. Snape."

Severus folded the piece of Muggle paper and opened a window. Cool air rushed in, blowing his hair away from his face. He crossed his arms over his chest and waited for the owl that was supposed to be there at it's scheduled time. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw an owl smash into the building next to him. He rolled his eyes, scowling.

"Dear Lord, Errol, could you get any more dense?"

The old owl hooted at him apologetically. Snape sighed, feeling sorry for him. He turned, about to go and get the bird a bowl of water and a place to rest before making the journey, when Magdalena walked in.

"Mr. Snape, have you seen my--?"

The young woman stopped dead in her tracks, seeing the owl. She tilted her head, then cautiously walked towards it. Errol ruffled his feathers slightly, but calmed when Mag reached forward slowly, running her fingers along the feathers on the top of his head. A smile spread across her face, and something inside Severus moved at seeing her so awestruck, the wonder so apparent in her eyes. She turned and looked at him, grinning happily.

"How on earth did he get in?"

"I, uh, opened the window for some fresh air, next thing I knew, there he was." She smirked suspiciously at him, then turned back to the bird, stroking his back and his outstretched wings. The owl turned his head and nipped playfully at her finger.

"Send my love to Athena," she whispered warmly, and she and the bird seemed to share a knowing look that Severus couldn't decipher. Errol then grabbed Severus's note and flew off. Snape turned to Maggie, an eyebrow raised.

"Athena?"

She smiled at him.

"Greek goddess? Come on, you're an English teacher, that includes knowledge of mythology."

"I'm well aware that she is a Greek goddess, Miss Aislynn," he sneered, "but what of the mention of her?"

She rolled her eyes, exasperated.

"She had a special affinity for owls; she was the goddess of wisdom, and owls represent wisdom." He nodded, sitting down on his bed, crossing his arms over his chest.

"So what do you have a special affinity for, Miss Aislynn? What does it represent to you?"

She smirked, sitting next to him.

"Are you saying I'm a goddess, Mr. Snape?" He looked away from her, a bit of color rising in his cheeks.

"If I'm not mistaken, your religion has beliefs that everyone is a manifestation of the God or Goddess you worship; that you are all partly gods and goddesses."

She looked at the floor, seeming slightly disappointed by his answer, then looked at him, smiling.

"I, personally, love snakes of all kinds. What they represent depends on what kind of snake. Cobras represent cunning, rattlesnakes are aggressive, pythons are kingly… it all depends, I guess. I actually have a pet snake… well, not a pet. I'd call him more of a friend of mine." She smiled warmly.

"It's starting to get to be the cold season, he should be coming in the next few days. He stays with me during the colder weather, so he doesn't freeze, and he becomes an outside snake when it's warmer again." Snape leaned forward, interested.

"What kind of snake is he? If you're sure it's a boy?"

"Well, I know he's a boy; he's told me. Well, of course, he doesn't talk to me, but… it's weird, the connection we have. And he's a garter snake."

Snape nodded.

"Yes, very small creatures they are. For snakes anyway, they're quite small." She smiled.

"You know your snakes!" He smirked at her, tucking his hair behind his ears boyishly; something he hadn't done since his 6th year at Hogwarts as a student.

"I happen to be quite fond of snakes too, Miss Aislynn." It was her turn to smirk; she was ready to make him squirm.

"Please, call me Magdalena." He blushed, almost scowling, but then decided to give it a try.

"All right… Magdalena." The name rolled off his tongue, and he'd be a damned liar if he said he didn't like the way it sounded. She seemed to like the sound of it too.

"But only if you call me Severus." She nodded.

"Fine, Severus. Severus Severus Severus. Quite happy now?"

You have no idea, his mind retorted.

Yes, I know, our Snapey is quite out of character… but I can't help it. I'll make him a mean badass here sometime soon.