****I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters…I merely play around with them for my own enjoyment ***

This is my first story, so please bear with me. Feel free to leave suggestions, but go easy on me. I'm definitely not an English major. Reviews are definitely helpful ;)

My head felt like it was going to explode from thinking so much about lesson plans. Between composers and genres and whatnot, I couldn't think straight anymore. I was thankful for it though, because it took my mind off of Severus and our walk. I don't know what it was about him, but I felt like I wanted to get to know him. He's not what one would consider traditionally handsome, but I couldn't help but feel attracted to him. His strong, angular face and nose made him look distinguished. His black eyes were like deep pools. His hair was just past his ears and black. It looked less greasy than it did at our staff meeting a few days ago. I remembered hearing somewhere that he used to teach Potions. So, he was a potions master. That would definitely explain greasy hair. Standing over cauldrons all day is bound to do that to your hair. He definitely had the hands of a potions master. Strong hands with long, dexterous fingers. I bet he could do wonderful things with those fingers. Elle! Snap out of it! No point in getting worked all up over him. The ministry will pair you up with someone soon, no use getting worked up over someone else. Get over it. I sighed. My internal monologue was good at keeping me from doing something that could get myself hurt. Well, at least now it was. I wish it had a few years ago. I'd had my fair share of heart ache, but somehow, I still felt hope for my future.

My stomach growling brought me out of my thoughts and I nervously made my way down to the Great Hall. Like earlier today, there was an open seat between Severus and Hermione. Hermione seemed to be in a deep conversation with Harry. I could tell she was frustrated so I let her be. I turned to Severus and gave him a small, shy smile. He nodded at me to acknowledge my presence. I could swear I saw the corners of his lips curl up just a bit.

Dinner was fairly quiet. I was thankful for that as it gave me a chance to think more on my walk with Severus. He brought me out of my internal ramblings, "If you're finished, I'd like to start our walk while the sun is still out."

"Oh. Of course," man I felt like such an idiot around him sometimes! Alright, Elle, snap out of it! He's just a man!

We made our way out of the hall without any distractions. Once we were outside, Severus turned to me, "Where would you like to walk to?"

"I'm not sure. Are there any interesting things out here to see?" I asked him. At this point, I honestly didn't care where we were. I just wanted to get to know him.

"There are many interesting things here. However, I suggest we make our way to Hogsmeade. I feel as if a drink would not be remiss," he told me.

"That sounds great," I smiled up at him. He nodded and we made our way down the worn path. After me being my normal, klutzy self and stumbling a few times, Severus offered me his arm. I gladly accepted and placed my hand in the crook of his arm with a mumbled 'thanks.'

We made it to Hogsmeade without any more incidents from me. When we got to the Three Broomsticks and Severus let my hand go. I felt the loss of contact more than I thought I would. How was it that after just a few minutes of touching him, I miss the contact?

Severus found us a quiet booth in a corner and ordered us some drinks. I couldn't believe how comfortable I was starting to become around him after my idiocy before. Conversation was flowing so well between us. I honestly couldn't understand why Harry held such animosity toward him. I decided to ask him about it.

"Why doesn't Harry like you?" I finally asked in a quiet voice. "I mean, you seem like a really great man to me."

He sighed and thought for a moment before he responded, "He will always see me as a Death Eater. I was a spy for the Order and had to maintain a façade for my safety. He knew me as the cold, heartless person that I portrayed. I don't expect him to see me any other way. I played my part well for a long time."

"But, you're not cold and heartless, are you?" I asked quietly.

"I don't believe so. I am...a guarded person. I've seen far too much to just be a happy person overall. But, I no longer need to maintain my façade. In actuality, you're the first person to see past that since the war. I haven't spoken to many since the trials. Though I was proven innocent under Veritaserum, there are still some that are wary about me and still see me as a Death Eater," he told me. My heart went out to him.

"But that's not who you are anymore. If it makes a difference, others' opinions won't sway my own," I told him with a small smile. I was rewarded with a small half smile.

"Indeed. I don't know what to expect from you, but I feel I must warn you. While I am not the same man that I portrayed as a spy, I am still not like normal men. I'm a very closed person. I do not like the company of many people, nor do I let my emotions get out of control. I'm a private man and am guarded," he admitted to me. I understood this completely.

"I know what you mean. I'm not sure what to expect either. I find myself drawn to you. I don't know what to make of it. For now, I'm completely content being your friend. I'm not looking for a relationship at the moment. The Ministry owls will arrive in a few days and I would be afraid to start something to just have it thrown right back in my face. While you hide your emotions, I'm someone that wears their heart on their sleeve. You will always know what I'm thinking by how I react to things." I felt like we were making progress. I knew that this was the start of a great friendship. We understood each other and where we were coming from.

"It's getting late. We should be getting back to the castle." He offered me his arm and we made our way back. He walked me to my rooms and once we got to my portrait, I turned to him.

"Thank you for tonight. I'm really enjoying getting to know a different side of you," I said as I smiled up at him.

"I did as well. It was an enjoyable evening. I must get going now. Good night, Elle. I will see you at breakfast," and with that, he kissed my hand and walked off.

I stood there in slight shock for a moment before shaking my head and giving the portrait my password. Sleep came easily tonight. I looked forward to talking with Severus again.

Hello all, the Ministry owls will be coming soon. If there is anyone in specific you would like to see paired up, please let me know.

Thanks!

nwdani