Chapter 2

Summer slept perhaps a little too well that night, and didn't get out of bed until late Sunday morning. It was only when the bright sunshine reached into the seventh year dorms that she finally woke up – around 10am. When she had finally left the dungeons the night before, a familiar queasiness had filled the pit of her stomach, and she had virtually no appetite. It almost seemed as though history was repeating itself for her, but she had quickly shunted that thought to the side. She was determined to at least get through this Christmas. The last thing she wanted was to have old memories brought up again.

Opening her eyes, Summer saw that the yellow curtains of her classmates' beds were still shut. Even though she considered 10-o-clock to be an ungodly late hour, most 18 year olds still considered it to be early. She snorted to herself as she got up and quickly got dressed. With stealth acquired throughout the years, the long tan skirt and red blouse went on without a sound and Summer was through the entrance in a heartbeat.

- - -

The day went much as it had before, with Summer and Snape hardly saying a word to each other for the entire day. That is, until Summer was cleaning up.

A dark shape loomed in the entrance to the lab, casting a shadow where the lab's lighting couldn't reach. Summer went about her work, casting purification charms and cleansing spells to make sure everything would be sterile and uncontaminated for the next day. She didn't want to speak with him. It was all she could do at the moment to stand being around another human being, let alone one whose snarky comments would ravage her to the core when she was in this state. So instead of allowing him that pleasure, she simply ignored him, the way he usually did to his students.

This had quite the opposite intended effect.

"Miss Sundale…" he started silkily. That could only mean trouble. His heels clicked gently as he finally walked into the room. His lanky form moved to where Summer had placed the recently-packaged potion on another table. Snape's inspection of them served only to heighten her anxiety, making her wish he would just go away, or that he would let her leave. But he was blocking the way to the doors.

He grunted, having picked up a bottle of pale green fluid. Turning it in the dim lighting, he ever-so-slightly nodded and placed it back to the container. "Although not exemplary, it shall be acceptable for Madam Pomfrey. I would think that someone who claims to love potions so much would be doing much better." His tone wasn't the normal cutting one; instead it almost seemed matter-of-fact. His dark eyes roved over to where she was still cleaning a cauldron. She didn't look up to meet his gaze, nor did she comment back. They stayed that way for a few moments, Summer getting more apprehensive every second as his gaze lingered on her.

"Sir, if you wish for me to be doing better, perhaps it might be helpful if you could show me the tiny quirks that you have discovered. And if you do not wish to do that, than perhaps 'acceptable' is good enough for me, as it seems to be for Madam Pomfrey." Her ire couldn't be contained any longer, and she believed she had a good point. If he was going to criticize her work, he may as well show her a way to improve it.

"Yes, I should, shouldn't I," he replied, his deep voice rumbling with sarcasm. "What then, would be the point of having you down here, if I am simply going to do the work?" Summer could almost sense a smirk longing to spring upon his lips, were it not for the years of dedication put into hiding all emotions.

She sighed. "Criticism does no good unless I am given a way to improve my work. I would think that someone so godly such as yourself would have realized this by now, as I am certain that you have not achieved your fame alone." His eyebrows had furrowed and his arms were across his chest. Summer finally had the gall to look up at him, her eyes showing no emotion, while his showed something reminiscent of anger. She shivered, not quite understanding what she had done.

"Criticism does no good if one cannot discern the way in which to improve one's own work – alone. True knowledge is discovered by the self," he quietly bit back.

"True knowledge is discovered through interaction with the world, including other people. Something you don't seem to want to know much about." She had started softly, but quickly got louder. When she finished, her voice echoed off the stone walls. Summer had to cringe at how shrill she had become. She watched Snape as he walked over to her purposefully. His eyes stared down at her, and she was helpless to do anything other than stare back up at his face. Leaning down so close that she could almost feel the first whispers of his black hair on her cheeks, he gritted his teeth and quietly spoke.

"What I know and do not know, aside from potions, is of no concern to anyone – specifically an arrogant seventh year Hufflepuff."

Summer started to softly laugh. She laughed even more when she saw the look which passed over Snape's features – one of utter confusion. He quickly retreated a few steps, the look very soft and subtle, but still noticeable.

"Yes, arrogant. As if arrogance comes from being able to see the Thestrals. As if arrogance comes from life experience. Call me arrogant if you will, Professor Snape, but I believe I will understand you better than anyone else in this building. This much I have gathered from only three months in your presence." A small but cold smile lingered on her lips as she quietly put away the last cauldron. When she finally looked back up, her eyes were slightly glassy, but the smile remained firmly in place. She didn't know why, but it wouldn't go away no matter what thoughts passed through her mind. Summer shook her head at Snape's look, and merely grabbed her belongings and walked out of his chambers without another word.

She realized that this was perhaps the most she had ever revealed to anyone at Hogwarts, aside from the headmaster, that is. No one else knew she could see the magical creatures that towed the carriages from Hogsmeade. She didn't want anyone else to know.

Damn him and his remarks, she silently thought, gritting her teeth as she slowly walked through the dungeons. Her feet seemed to be leading her wherever they wanted, and Summer allowed them to. It wasn't like there was anywhere she could get lost, in this castle. Countless weekends and free hours had been spent exploring the castle in such a way, and thus she thought she knew the castle well enough.

She had been doing so well in forgetting her troubles. Well, not exactly forgetting them, but at least ignoring them. The holidays always brought up sad memories for her, and she never looked forward to having so much time to herself – which was the original reason she had asked Professor Snape for a project. Instead of forcing those thoughts of her mind, he was bringing them into clearer focus. Damn him! She couldn't help but blame him consciously, but Summer knew he was just the catalyst.

Shaking her head, a few tears running down her cheeks, she finally looked at where she was and discovered it to be the astronomy tower. No one was around at this time of day, especially since not too many students were staying over the holidays. It was a cold, but clear day out. Summer took a deep breath, reveling in the clarity and crispness of the air. Snow had fallen a few nights ago, and a light dusting still remained on the tower. Tracing a path through it, Summer walked over to the edge of the tower and looked down over the lake. Being outside always cleared her head, and this case was no exception. She smiled gently at the sight of a few people ice skating on the lake. From this venue, Summer could also see the giant squid under the ice, trying to follow the ice skaters. It was a pleasant scene, but one she was content enough to watch.

I miss you, Mom, she thought to herself, hugging her arms to her chest.

- - -

When she finally decided to leave the solace of the tower, the light was starting to fade. It was all Summer could do to tear herself away from watching the beautiful sunset upon the glittering snow. But she had been standing up there for at least two hours without a cloak, and decided that it would be better to find a quiet corner in the common room and sip some warm butterbeer. As she turned her back on the tower, the sun was just starting to turn a deep orange and was casting a pink glow on the landscape.

Still clutching her arms to her, Summer walked down the steps of the tower and headed towards the Great Hall in order to get to the common room. As she was threading her way down a set of stairs, the last person she wanted to see was approaching her. His black robes signified his approach more-so than his face. She inwardly groaned, while trying her best to avoid looking at him. She wasn't to have that sort of luck, unfortunately.

Snape waited for her to get down to the landing before speaking to her. She shifted uncomfortably, still avoiding looking anywhere near him. Instead, she decided to watch one of the paintings as if it were the most fascinating thing in the world.

"After a rather unpleasant meeting with Professor Dumbledore, I have been ordered to apologize for my comments toward you," he stated matter-of-factly. "That rugged old man knows more than he ought to about what goes on." Summer was still inspecting the painting. After a moment, Snape sighed. "I had no right to accuse you of arrogance, and Albus explained some items of importance to me." His voice had a slight hint of sincerity to it. Sensing this, Summer looked at him with a stern look on her face.

"Don't you ever accuse me of anything, without having information to back it," she replied, a little shakily. It didn't matter how offensive she was at the moment.

In response, Snape merely snorted in affirmation and then walked away. She watched his retreating form until he turned a corner, most likely heading back down to the dungeons.

"Humph," Summer sighed aloud. She crossed her arms over her chest and resumed her course towards the Hufflepuff common room.

- - -

Severus Snape was disgruntled. More-so than disgruntled – he was pissed. Not only did one of his students liken her experiences to those which he himself had endured, and Albus Dumbledore had the audacity to not only agree with her, but he forced Snape to apologize to the impudent child. Severus Snape could not remember any other day in which he was forced to be kind and show something reminiscent of sympathy. It thoroughly disgusted him, because it brought him slightly closer to her. Not like he consciously realized this, but it showed in his dreams that night.

- - -

He woke up earlier than usual after a fitful night of sleep. Sitting up in his bed, he ran a hand through his knotted black hair. Snape didn't know exactly why the silken sheets were twisted about his torso, but he had to fight to get out of them. He placed his feet on the floor, leaning forward so that his elbows rested on his knees, then placing his head in his hands. It was too early. Even for him. But he knew that he wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Light was seeping in from the high windows that were barely above the ground outside.

He groaned. Snape finally got up and put on his green robe and slippers, walking into his study area to make some coffee. He groaned again when he found the arrogant Hufflepuff already in the lab, doing the next task on the list of potions he had made for her. It was bad enough she had to see him when he was cranky in the mornings, but did she have to arrive so early as to catch him still in his night clothes and gown?

"What, pray tell," he growled at her from the study, "do you think you are doing here at dawn, of all hours?"

She lifted her head from the cauldron and he could see a glimpse of reddish-brown hair as she did so. Her mood from the day before had disappeared in favor of the one he least liked. She was gently smiling at him in a way that made him shudder.

"I couldn't sleep, and since I have such a long list, I thought I would get started earlier than usual." Her tone was light and she merely shrugged as an afterthought, as though that would answer his question.

"That gives you no right to intrude in my quarters. I specifically remember the normal order of things to knock before entering someone else's privacy, and to leave when those knocks are unanswered." He glared at her, hoping to make her cower so that he might reassert his position as teacher. Thoughts of coffee were still in the back of his mind, almost begging him to wait until after breakfast to start his rounds of Snape-ness.

Still not moving from the lab, she shrugged again. "Well, you did tell me the wards to enter into here, so I thought that was at least an invitation to do work when I pleased, if not an invitation to socialize." She grinned at him slightly, a twinkle in her eye – it reminded him of the way Dumbledore twinkled. Sighing inwardly, realizing that his coffee would have to wait a while longer, Snape finally walked over to the entrance of the lab. She already had one cauldron set up, the potion bubbling at a simmer; another one was to her right-hand side, just ready to begin preparation. She had been here for quite some time, probably well before dawn.

He watched her tilt her head slightly, some hair falling loose from the bun she had placed it in, and gently resting on her shoulder. Raising an eyebrow at her earlier statement, he started his reply. "For someone who believes they can understand me," he drawled, "I'm sure you would realize that I do not socialize." The girl giggled at his statement, placing a hand over her mouth in attempts to either muffle the sound or hide her grin. Either way, the effect was nonexistent.

Snape rolled his eyes at her reaction. "And what is so funny?"

"I had the same thoughts when I saw the couch and chair by the fire," she stammered between giggles. It was more than he could deal with at such an hour.

"Well I certainly do not intend to entertain a troublesome student, and as such, I expect you to knock next time. Do not make such presumptions again." With that, he turned on his heels and walked back into the study, satisfied that he had made his point.

He decided that it wasn't worth the effort to change into his usual robes since Sundale had already seen him in his pajamas. With that thought, he finally gave in to the headache that was slowly forming due to a lack of caffeine.

He padded his was over to the mantle of the fireplace and found the percolator and coffee grounds he always kept stocked. Sitting down on the couch, he muttered "aguamenti", filling the percolator with fresh water, and started the brewing process. Shortly thereafter, the fresh smell of vanilla coffee started to fill the rooms and anticipation filled Snape. This was perhaps his favorite time of day – usually he had solitude, but as long as the girl kept quiet, he could pretend she wasn't even there and enjoy the silence offered by the quickly rising sun.

"Do I smell vanilla coffee?" Summer's voice reached him. He cringed. This was just going to be one of those days, he could tell.

"Thank you Captain Obvious," he sarcastically replied, drawing on one of his favorite muggle phrases. "As a matter of fact, yes. I am brewing some French Vanilla coffee." He looked over to the lab and saw her head poking out the entrance. A sheepish smile was on her face, almost looking out of place from her usual grins. She continued to stare at him without saying anything, apparently wanting to.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Out with it, Miss Sundale. I don't have all day." Actually, he did, but he would rather pretend he had better things to be doing.

"Well… I haven't had any coffee all day, and I was wondering if I could… well, join you and have a cup?" She had come to stand in the entrance now and was shifting her feet uncomfortably.

Remarking on the fact that she actually did wish to socialize with him, he grudgingly nodded, only to see her scamper into the study and quickly sit down in the armchair the way an excited child might. There were many things about her that reminded him of a child, but at the same time, like the night before, she proved that she was indeed an adult. Snape still couldn't fathom how it was possible to be so childish and mature at the same time.

In the moment he was lost in his thoughts, the coffee finished brewing. He shook his head at himself and poured a cup for himself. Summer tilted her head at him, as if expecting him to pour her a cup as well.

"You wanted the coffee, and I made it. That does not indicate that I must supply the cup and sugar as well." He shot her a dark look before taking a sip of the long-awaited drink. There was nothing better than a hot mug of coffee on a cold winter's morning.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw her take out her wand after shrugging, and conjure up a cup and saucer, as well as cream and sugar. He rolled his eyes at her, the image of "coffee in your sugar" coming to mind.

They sat that way for quite some time, neither saying anything – which was the way Snape preferred it. The girl was curled in the armchair, looking rather tired. Snape briefly thought that perhaps she hadn't slept all night, but as soon as the thought came to him it flitted out of mind.

"Thank you for yesterday," she said softly. "I mean… I know that Dumbledore made you apologize, but it still was very kind of you." Snape looked back over at her when she said this, an eyebrow raised at her. She had her knees huddled to her chest, arms resting on them. Her green eyes glanced quickly over in his direction before continuing to stare at the fire.

He snorted. "Meddling old man." When he said that, he saw Summer briefly smile.

The silence had eased into a bearable atmosphere, not the one which was stressful a few moments ago. Sighing to himself and rolling his eyes, Snape continued drinking his coffee.

- - -

Author's Note: Thanks to all who have been leaving reviews – especially since I put this story up two days ago! I really didn't expect so much for an OC story, so I really appreciate it, and it definitely motivates me to keep writing. Thanks again. Chapter Three in the works!