A year later

A year later

My back arched in my fear. Something was not right at Hogwarts. I could sense something ancient and dangerous moving throughout the castle. Although it was only early evening, dinner time in the great hall to be exact, it was pitch black outside, something which did nothing to relieve my unease. I knew that Severus was still in the Great Hall eating but I could not go to him. He did not like to be seen showing affection to anything or any-one within the company of students. Though I knew that being near him would have made me feel safe and protected. However I rallied myself and scurried down the corridor. It was important that I marked my territory, wouldn't want the residing cats to get cocky. I hissed in alarm when my paws met water.

"What on earth" I thought, unfortunately Severus would not be able to hear me from such a distance, not a comforting thought especially if I needed help.

But Severus' strict approach to the students must have rubbed of on me for I set out hoping to catch whatever student was responsible for the flood. Only to throw myself out of the way of the corridor as three students came running past, one yelling "Can't you hear it!" I ran after them in the hopes of seeing if there was anything they were doing that they could get into trouble for, as I said it was Severus rubbing off on me.

I almost ran into them when they abruptly stopped. They still did not notice me though so I creeped around them only to also stop in shock at the sight before me. A message was written on the wall, lifting my head slightly I scented the blood with which it had been written in. However that was not the sight which chilled me. Mrs Norris was hanging in the air. Paralysed. I stiffened in shock. However the more protective instinct in me took over. "The students" I thought glancing up at them. The boy I now recognised as being the famous Harry Potter was moving closer to the wall whereas the other two were standing still in their shock. Granger and Weasley? It didn't matter, I could sense movement within the very bowels of the castle, something was moving deep within the very earth, it was powerful and it was hungry. Concern for the students overtook me and I rounded on the two still standing there. Hissing at them I slowly advanced on them.

"What the..?" exclaimed Weasley. I remembered Severus moaning about his lack of technique in Potions but that didn't matter know. They had to get out of here.

"I think we'd better leave" stated the one I know recognised as Granger. The know-it-all she clearly was but I was grateful for it now, she at least realised that I was trying to tell them something. Lashing my tail created ripples in the water, It almost reached my shoulders, and though I was still curious as to the cause of the flood, the danger I found us in was imminent. I advanced on them more quickly now, trying to herd them towards the Great Hall and safety.

"What are you talking about Mione? Yeah I know the message is freaky but it's probably just a prank, probably the twins." replied the young Weasley.

"Harry" called the girl "we've got to get out of here something's wrong" glancing down at me the girl asked "which way do we go?"

If I had not been so frightened or worried I may have been surprised that the girl had spoken to me as though I were a person, but there was no time. I hurriedly directed them into the direction of the Hall which is a lot harder than it sounds when said people do not understand you even though my thoughts were practically screaming at them. The girl nodded once to show that she understood then focussed her attention back on Potter.

"Harry" she yelled "We've got to go"

I could sense the thing getting closer. I had no idea what it was but I didn't care. It had paralysed Mrs Norris, which meant it would have no problem dealing with the three students, not to mention me. Arching my back, I could feel my fur begin to rise and my teeth bare. Briefly my eyes darted down the corridor before I rallied myself once again, I would not leave the children there, hissing louder now I prepared myself.

As suddenly as it had come though the creature just as quickly left, I stood still in my confusion. What had stopped it? Three second-year students and a ferret were hardly threatening, but I could no longer smell it so it must have left. My questions were answered however when the doors to the Great Hall burst open letting out a stream of the student and staff body. I collapsed on the floor in relief and exhaustion, my fear wearing me out more than my actions had, however this also caused me to become completely submerged in the icy water, with only my head not wet. The body of pupils stopped and gasped as they saw the message on the wall and the frozen cat.

"Mrs Norris" screamed the batty caretaker almost treading on me in his haste to get to his cat.

The headmaster quickly took charge, and began to quiz the two boys. Granger however was crouching down beside me. Looking up at her I could see the concern in her eyes as she scooped me up. I was too tired to protest even though I usually only allowed Severus to touch me. She began murmuring reassurances to me most likely in the hope of rousing me from my exhausted stupor.

"Miss Granger I believe that, that animal belongs to one of my Slytherins and not to you, would you be so kind to relinquish your hold on the beast so that I may reunite it with it's owner" said the sarcastic, biting voice.

"Oh yes! Of course sir" stammered the girl immediately handing me over. Instantly I felt a sense of relief wash over me. Severus was holding me now. I would be safe.

"Headmaster if you no longer have any use of me..." he said trailing off.

"Yes of course Professor Snape, no we no longer require your presence" replied the headmaster.

I do not remember much of the journey to the Severus' dungeon chambers and only became aware of my surroundings when he sat in an armchair with me in his arms.

"Sophia," he pleaded his voice full of concern "please Sophia wake up, what is the matter?"

"Severus," I keened burying myself in his arms "I was so scared"

"What was it?" he asked

"I don't know," I wailed "but it was going to hurt them Severus, I tried to make them leave but only the girl listened and she wouldn't leave without Potter"

"Hush little one," he murmured gently rocking me "It's alright, you tried. What happened next?"

"It was coming for them Severus, I could smell it, I wanted to run but I couldn't, I had to get the young ones out of there"

"Of all the idiotic things to do!" he exclaimed, turning me so that we were face to face he began his internal rant again "you are not to go anywhere without me now Sophia, at least until this thing is caught. Promise me. You could have been hurt or worse. If something does happen and you are on your own, then you come and get me no matter where I am you come and get me, promise me."

"I promise." I swore knowing I would be reluctant to leave him alone now anyway due to my fear. Sighing he lowered me back onto his lap.

"Go to sleep" he said stroking me soothingly. So I did.