It had been an entire month since Dahlia had started teaching at Hogwarts. She joined Severus out in the garden, after he scolded some students, of course. She approached him after the students had left "Still not fond of Gryffindor?" She asked with a smile. Severus turned to face her before saying "You of all people should understand."

Dahlia sighed at the unpleasant response before speaking up again "You know, I remember when you were sweeter than a sugar quill." She said extracting the memories of Hogsmeade.


Dahlia was no more than fourteen years of age along with Severus Snape, they weren't that close but he was one of the few people she knew. Once they arrived at Hogsmeade she practically dragged him to Honeydukes even though he wasn't fond of sweets, but he wasn't fond of practical joke items either. She bought a box of chocolate cauldrons to share with him but he wouldn't take any knowing there was firewhiskey in the chocolate.

Dahlia and Severus were talking about the potions class when James, Peter, Remus, and Sirius arrived with an evil smirk on their faces. They stood there in silence before James spoke up "Well, looks like I lost a bet. Snivellus can land a girlfriend to snog." James tantalized trying to provoke Severus to do something against school rules. Severus said nothing and refused to make eye contact or to even get involved.

This is when Dahlia took a stand for both of them "I'll have you know James, that I'm not Severus' girlfriend, and as a Gryffindor, you shouldn't behave this way. Even if he is a Slytherin, one of the traits of a Gryffindor is chivalry, and if you want to uphold that dignity, I politely suggest you leave."

James glared at Dahlia and then changed his focus to Severus "Your lucky today Snivellus Greasy." He then stormed off in the other direction. Severus turned to face Dahlia, his eyes seemed to say thank you even though he said, "I didn't ask for your help." Dahlia gave him a friendly smile and said, "You didn't have to." They stood there in silence before she spoke again "They could have used a spell and harmed you, I was just worried is all." She added before picking up the box of chocolate cauldrons she bought. Severus grabbed her hand before Dahlia had a chance to leave, and took a chocolate "Maybe one wouldn't hurt." That was probably the nicest thing she'll get out of him today.


Dahlia approached Severus before saying "What happened? You used to be so nice." She said reaching out to touch his face, but he stepped out of her reach "That was the past, and it would benefit us both if it stayed there." He said coldly before leaving Dahlia in the garden alone.