Severus Snape was lost in the storm. He had been riding an older model of broomstick, a Nebula Three-Hundred, through the clouds when suddenly his hands froze to the broomstick and he lost his vision. A blizzard had hit close to the muggle town in which he was supposed to arrive, and the broom had failed to hold itself together in the storm, forcing him to land. He spotted a large series of buildings that formed a square, and small alleyways behind them. He swooped down as fast as he could on the now cracked broomstick, being careful to check for anyone who might see him. Luckily, nobody but he was crazy enough to brave the freezing cold weather, and he landed behind a nearby squat white building with no problems. Looking around, Severus spotted a dumpster, and he promptly snapped the broomstick in two and threw it in. Now it was useless, and any muggles foolish enough to pick it out of the trash would never guess of the hidden properties it had held only a minute before.

Rubbing his thin, cold hands together (damned for not wearing gloves), he walked purposefully out of the alleyway and onto the street. The old footprints of only an hour ago were almost completely gone, and the sidewalk resembled a miniature tundra of snow dunes. Suddenly, he heard loud music playing, blaring in fact, coming from the store right next to him. Realizing it must be open, he ran quickly into the store, the snow hitting him in icy bursts of agony on his face.

Breathing deeply in the sudden shock of warmth, Severus peered around the store. Shoes upon shoes were displayed upon the wall, and a few carousels of loafers and heels followed the line of carpet edging around the store. Although the soft, cushy round seats in rows along the shop looked inviting, Severus did not tempt himself but instead went to find the owner or someone else who could help him find his way. He followed the sound of music to the counter up front, then peered back into a small, closet-like storage area where boxes were piled to the ceiling and a small, rusty desk supported a radio and large stacks of papers.

Suddenly, a young girl twirled into his vision, singing loudly with the song (and poorly at that) and shaking her hips. Her long brown hair fell in wavy curls past her shoulders, swaying with her body as she danced, and Severus's stomach abruptly dropped. He flushed and looked at the floor, surprising himself, and cleared his throat. Startled, the girl looked up, then blushed herself, lowering the music as she did so.

Wikeni's heart leapt into her throat. She hadn't even heard the man come in, but there he was, dressed in black from head to toe, scowling at her. He even had black hair, save for the few snowflakes still caught, unmelted, sparkling like diamonds under the bright indoor light. He raised his eyebrows questioningly and opened his mouth to speak, but Wikeni blurted out, "Can I help you with something, sir?"

He blinked, taken aback, but said, "Yes, I'm a traveler and have become lost in this storm. Do you have a map I could borrow?"

"Uh, no, sorry, but where are you headed?"

"Milton-on-Serpeste."

"Uh, I have no idea, sorry, I'm horrible with directions!"

"Then why did you ask where I was headed?" he snapped.

"I was just trying to be helpful," Wikeni replied meekly. She looked down at her feet.

Severus suddenly felt bad. Remorseful, in fact, a feeling he had tried to push far from himself for years. He relaxed, and this time, said softly, "I'm simply trying to get to my destination on time. Have you no map or major road I can take?"

"No, I'm sorry," she said softly, still looking at the floor. Severus's stomach twinged again.

"Ah."

He looked away. He couldn't bear to be in this position; he felt so helpless. Since when could he not take care of himself? The girl was completely unhelpful, it was a wonder she was allowed to work in this store… then again, it was completely barren, perhaps it was during this time they knew they could use her without harm. She looked at him again, focusing on his strange robes.

"What's your name?"

"Excuse me?"
"Your name? What's your name?"
"Severus," he replied, and paused. He should at least try to be polite. "And yours?"

"Wikeni. Nice to meet you," she said, and held out her hand. Severus took it. It was warm and soft, and heated his fingers immediately.

"Ooh, you're cold, how long have you been outside?"

"About an hour."

"Geez, I thought you were traveling? What, did you decide to walk?"

Uh-oh, he was caught. He thought quickly… what form of muggle vehicle would allow him to be outside like this? A bicycle? No…

"A motocycle."

"You mean a motorcycle? A motorcycle? You own a motorcycle?"

"Yes. I drive it all the time, but it broke in the storm and I dropped it off to have it repaired." Nice.

"Boy, I'll say. I never knew anyone crazy enough before to ride a motorcycle in winter, period, let alone in a blizzard."

"Yes, well, it's all that I have."

"So which place did you go to?"

This girl is intent on talking, Severus moaned in his head. But, the way he saw it, he really had no choice but to put up with it or find other help. He started towards the door.

"Well, it was nice talking to you…"
"Wait, don't go!" she yelled.

"Why not? I do have to find room somewhere, and in this weather obviously it will be difficult…"

"Well you can stay with me!" Severus stared at her. Was she mad? "I mean, I have an extra room and tons of space and it's pretty warm in there, I'm house-sitting for a friend! She's got a nice big fireplace and everything!"

Well, he had no muggle money, that was for sure, and he couldn't imagine any wizard-friendly areas near this town… he would simply have to put up with charity.

"Alright, I suppose. How long will I be forced to wait?"

"Just about another hour and we close. You might want to get yourself some gloves, mister, it's almost below freezing out there already. And my car doesn't have heat."

"Wonderful," he sneered.

"Yes, well, it's all that I have," she mocked.

Severus suddenly smirked. She was quite intriguing. Well, if he was going to be stuck, so be it, he just had to make the most of it.