Ginny sat on her bed; her brown eyes were glazed and they followed the pale skyline through the window, the glass pane shimmered in the light and in the distance a bird unsettled itself from its perch to fly free over the hills, its wings stretched out. Her fingers twisted the red strands of hair around themselves, a nervous tick which she had developed recently and her bottom lip bore the grooves of her teeth. Her legs were tucked under each other on the bed, the sheets around her were crinkled and untidy. A faint knock on the door stirred her from the thoughts and she crinkled her forehead, from the headache she had developed, at the intruding noise before she jumped up from the bed, it opened to reveal her mother, a smile was planted on her face as she looked down at her daughter, her red hair was tied up behind her head but a strand had escaped disobediently.
'Ginny, would you help me dish out the meal?' She asked politely and her daughter nodded before following her down into the kitchen. It didn't take long for the food to be served on the table, although Ginny noticed that one plate was missing from the normal arrangement. 'Would you mind taking something down to Professor Snape? He isn't willing to come up, leave it outside his door if he won't respond, it is normally locked' Mrs Weasley said as she held out the plate to her daughter who took it quietly, her eyes wide with panic, she gulped as she nodded and ducked her face away so that her mother would not notice the blush of red which painted itself against her cheeks, fortunately she did and soon turned back to the stove before starting to fiddle with it, Ginny lost interest in what her mother was doing quickly. Ginny hesitated for a moment holding the warm plate in her hands, she glanced down at it before turning and proceeding towards the stairs she knew would take her to Snape's latest lair. Again she hesitated at the top of the stairs her red hair shone in the light behind her as it covered her face slightly as she glanced down into the murky pits of darkness uneasily, shadows danced across the walls from the unnatural light the open door was casting into the room. Eventually she took the first steps down to the basement; the stone stairs scuffed the bottom of her trainers as she carefully made her way down, being careful not to spill any of the food as she descended. When she reached the bottom she studied the wooden door, it was difficult to study it entirely as the only light was from the door she had left a jar at the top of the stairs, she had to squint slightly, it was a heavy looking door and she wondered why she didn't remember it being there before. Checking that everything was orderly she stood outside the door uncertainly, the taste of alcohol teased her mind and she felt her face glow red once more, if her mother had a clue how much uncertainly such a simple task would cause she would murder him, and her for accepting such intoxicating beverages. Eventually she gathered the famous Gryffindor courage and pushed the door lightly, it swung open obediently, with surprising ease (hadn't her mother mentioned it was always locked?) and she glanced inside, it was dark in his room, although that was expected for the dungeon bat. Her foot edged forward and she attempted to call out but her voice caught in her throat like an animal caught in a bare- wire trap. She cleared her throat, attempting to be loud but it sounded feeble in the dark, large room. She crept forwards a bit more, a wooden table was just about visible in the darkness and she aimed for it. The second the plate touched the table the door slammed loudly and she jumped, barely strangling the scream which rose in her through. Her brown eyes twisted to the door, once more widened.
'What do you want?' her professor growled standing by the door, his hand was placed protectively upon it and it was obvious he had closed it to draw her attention. A candle had lit besides the doorway to illuminate his figure better, the shadows of his clothes making him look dark and forbearing. His long cloak had been ditched but he still donned the heavy, black clothing he always did. His voice was bitter and his voice low and dangerous.
'I...mum sent me, to bring your food' She stutter diverting her eyes towards the floor, although he was still visible. He hesitated uncharacteristically, his dark eyes softening slightly and his hand fell from the door to his side.
'Very well then' He muttered walking away from the door, he picked up a newspaper which had been slung over the table besides the door and settled himself into a seat nearby, she registered that this was why he had not been visible and studied his movements for a moment. 'you are welcome to leave' his silky voice called after a moment and Ginny jumped again, not having realised that she was lingering unnesisarily. Once more her cheeks flushed.
'S..Sorry' She mumbled stumbling towards the door.
'Miss Weasley' She stopped instantly at his drawling voice and turned to face him, he was still holding the paper but his eyes were fixed on her. 'You are being usually ditzy, even for a Weasley' he stated.
'And you show an unusual amount of concern' She retorted sarcastically before her mind had caught her mouth, she had always been protective of her family. He smirked in response and turned his attention back to the newspaper.
'That's better' he whispered, more to himself then anything. Ginny lingered a moment longer wondering if she was expected to speak again but Snape ignored her presence and the food she had brought down.
'Sir' She whispered, almost silently. He hummed a response and she opened her mouth to speak but the snare had returned. She bit her bottom lip gently and attempted again. 'I...I...I was... Why... Never mind' She finished eventually with a sigh before twisting herself around and returning to the rest of the house, were she knew her mother would be waiting for her.
Snape watched her leave, the light from her red hair bouncing around the room.
'I don't know why I kissed you' he whispered as the door shut her out of his room. With a sigh he stood up and made his way over to the plate of food she had brought, folding the newspaper as he moved, he had finished it hours ago anyway.