THANKS FOR READING, I HOPE THAT YOU LIKE.

HERE'S MY A/N: I DO NOT OWN HARRY POTTER OR ANY OTHER OF THE BRILLIANT J.K. ROWLING'S CHARACTERS. ALTHOUGH, I WOULDN'T MIND KIDNAPPING PROFESSOR SNAPE FROM HER LOL

ENJOY!

CHAPTER 3

SUMMER HOLIDAYS

As the school year came to a close, Katrina became fonder of her Head of House. Though she was sad to see her school year go by so fast, she wondered about next years term.

After the End of Term Feast, Snape had asked her to meet him in his office before the night was over. She entered his office, after packing her trunk. "You wanted to speak with me, sir?"

He always had a smile for her after the first day of class, but he was always taken a back by hers. "Yes, Katrina. Come, sit down." He pulled himself from his chair, walking to the edge of his desk. "What are your plans for the summer holiday's?"

Looking at him quizzically, she replied, "I think I'm probably going to work, sir. I sent an owl to the barkeep at The Leaky Cauldron asking if he had a position available for me to fill."

"Don't you think that cleaning rooms and waiting on people is a bit below you? You're fourteen years old, Katrina. You shouldn't be out taking care of others, they should be taking care of you."

"What are you getting at?" Suspiciously she watched him, her smile slightly gone.

"I thought maybe you could come stay at my house." He started. He watched her facial expression turn into a bit of shock. "Don't get me wrong, Katrina. I thought that I could have you clean my house and other chores. But, still be a young girl and have the freedom to go where ever it is you please. Mind you, I will pay you for duties by buying your books and other necessities for the school year."

She stood up, taking the few steps necessary to stand in front of him. "Thank you for the offer, sir. I mean no disrespect, but, I'd feel a bit uncomfortable staying at a house that is my Professors."

He held out his hands for her to take. "Completely understandable. I wish you luck, not that you're in need of it."

She rolled her eyes, just so he could see. "And, what might that mean…sir?"

He smiled at her antics, but answered her anyway. "What I mean is, is that you'll be getting plenty of tips from your customers." He looked down at their hands, noticing he was unconsciously rubbing her hers with his thumbs. "If I don't see you off in the morning, I'll make sure to drop by The Leaky Cauldron from time to time."

Mustering up some courage, she kissed him on the cheek. "Until we meet again, sir." Katrina pulled away, walking out the door. Snape just stood there in shock, his hand touching the cheek that Katrina had just kissed.

Morning came- everyone in the Great Hall for their last meal before departing the school. Snape watched Katrina like he had all year. The first time in his life he would miss teaching at least one of his students.

Feeling sad herself, Katrina sat at the table while the other students scurried around, busy with telling other students goodbye. Dumbledore stood, walking around the staff table, headed to the oak doors for the students to depart. The teachers followed, and so did the students. Katrina was the last in the Great Hall, pondering not going back to London at all. She looked around, taking in everything she could before she knew she would have to leave.

Lost in her own thoughts, she did not realize someone sitting next to her until they spoke. "I hope your holidays are prosperous, Katrina."

She jumped slightly at the Headmaster's voice. "Thank you Professor." Her smile for him, always kind. "I would also like to thank you for allowing me to attend school her as well."

Dumbledore touched her hand in a fatherly way. "It has been my pleasure." He looked over his half moon spectacles. "Watching someone as bright and talented as you do magic…you are far more advanced than any student here." He stood- so did she. "Until the start of term."

Katrina hugged him, saying, "I will miss you, sir. Hopefully you will pop in The Leaky Cauldron from time to time." She pulled away.

"I will make it a point to, Katrina. But, as for now, you must get moving before you miss the train."

They walked into the hall to the front doors. Katrina watches as all of the Professor's tried to push the students out toward the carriages to take them to Hogsmeade.

"Get moving, Katrina." The squeaky voice of Professor Flitwick ordered.

She looked down, smiling. The frustrated look he had made her laugh. "Trying to get rid of me so quickly, sir?"

She knelt down in front of him as he spoke. "Why yes! Every class you have taken of mine has been very stressful." she made a pouty face as Flitwick laughed. "Have a good holiday." He placed his hands on her shoulders.

"You do the same, sir." She kissed his cheek. "I'll try not to make next year as stressful as this one."

Standing, ready to find another of her teachers, she found Professor McGonagall feet from her. "My prize student." McGonagall said toward Katrina.

"One of my many favorite Professors." Katrina walked to her. "Have a lovely holiday, ma'am."

They hugged as McGonagall replied, "You too, child. I will wait patiently until term starts to read your paper."

"You won't have to, ma'am" Katrina pulled away. She held out one hand, waved her wand over it with the other. Parchment appeared in her hand. "Here you go, Professor. Decided I might as well start working on it last night in the library while I had resources."

"Oh, Katrina! I cannot wait to start the school year. Thank you."

"You're very welcome." Katrina smiled. She started to walk away, looking for Professor Snape, but he was no where to be seen. Letting out a deep sigh, she started walking toward the last carriage.

She had her foot on the step to the carriage as she heard a harsh voice, "Katrina."

She turned, taking her foot off the step as the one person she would miss the most approached her. "Yes, sir."

"You didn't think you could leave without saying goodbye, did you?"

She squinted her eyes. A devious smile on her face. "Snape." She walked toward him.

As they met, Professor Snape reached for her hands. "Enjoy the ride home. I'll check up on you from time to time."

Katrina wrapped her arms around Snape's neck. "Don't wait too long." She whispered. She kissed his cheek, and pulled away. "I will miss you greatly, sir."

He pulled away slightly, touching her cheek. He leaned in, kissing her forehead. As his lips lingered on her skin, he whispered, "And I, you, Katrina." He pulled away smiling. "Now go, before I give you another detention."

She giggled. "I'd stay, but…"

It was his turn to chuckle. He told her, "I'm finding it rather difficult to find things for you to do in my office."

"I'll try harder to behave myself text term, sir." She placed her hand on his cheek as a tear escaped her eye. "When can I expect to see you next?"

"Sooner than you think." He whispered into her ear.

Later that evening, Katrina arrived at The Leaky Cauldron. Tom had given her a job, cleaning rooms and being a barmaid. As her first morning working flew by, she merrily waited on the customer's with another barmaid. She had not noticed in the busy evening hours that someone had come from the school. He-Professor Snape, sat with another man as they finished their drinks.

She walked behind Professor Snape leaning over and whispering, "Come to put me in detention again, sir."

The first thing the Professor noticed as he turned had been her smile. It took him a moment to answer. "Not yet, Katrina. That will have to wait until the first day of school."

"I'll be waiting, sir." Her grin widened. "How are your drinks? Would you care for another?" Her eyes never left his.

Professor Snape looked at his companion. "Lucius, I would like to introduce you to my prized student, Katrina. Katrina, this is Lucius Malfoy."

Katrina held her hand out to him. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Malfoy."

His look of loathing toward her as he refused to shake the hand of a barmaid he answered, Yes, it is your pleasure." Katrina dropped her hand, knowing he would not grab it. "Refill our drinks. I do not much enjoy servants speaking to me."

Lucius, she is working in order to buy books and such for the coming school year." Snape told him casually. "I see nothing wrong with a student working to pay their way through school."

"Don't make me laugh, Severus. Either way you look at it, she's a servant-beneath both of us."

Snape and Katrina looked at one another, Snape shaking his head. Her smile never faltered as she asks. "And what is it you're drinking, Mr. Malfoy?" She was not allowing herself to have this snobbish man break her.

"Bring a bottle of Fire Whiskey." Malfoy ordered.

She chanced an evil grin to her Professor. "And do you plan on sharing with Professor Snape, or would you like something else, sir?"

"He'll be drinking the bottle with me." Malfoy answered for the Professor.

She left to get the bottle. Returning to the gentlemen, she slammed the bottle down in front of Malfoy. "Enjoy." Purposely she bumped into Snape, handing him a small piece of parchment. "I'm so sorry, Professor!" She smiled.

"You're fine, Katrina. No harm done." Snape gave a small smile in return.

"Good." She pulled herself up. "Wouldn't want to make the grumpy old git any grumpier now would we?" she teased.

"Might have to start your detention earlier than usual." Professor Snape proclaimed. As Katrina stood in front of him, blocking Malfoy's view, he looked at the Parchment. 'if you drink the Fire whiskey, make sure you use the purifying spell.'

"Enjoy your drinks. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to call me."

"Yes, be on with your duties." Malfoy waved his hand.

Snape stood. "I'll be right back." He did not give Malfoy time to answer, whisking away from the table to Katrina. "What did you do to the bottle?"

"Simple sleeping draft. One sip, and he'll pass right out." She smirked.

"And what if Tom finds out? What will you do if he fires you?"

"Tom isn't going to find out." Katrina smiled deviously. "The bottle will be emptied out before I discard it in the back room. Don't worry either. The bottle will be clean, with no trace of any potion."

"Such talent wasted on a very insecure man." Snape smiled.

"Yes, I know." She sighed. She tried fighting a smile. "I have three more years to break him completely to do my bidding." The look he had given her made her laugh. She placed her hands on his face.

"That was not very amusing." He told her. He know somehow she was making him feel things he had long since buried.

Her lips turned into a pout. "Your right. It wasn't." She leaned in so close their noses touched. "It will probably take a life time." Her small giggles brought her closer to him.

Katrina was at a point in her life, muggle or not, that she fell in love easily, even if she did not know exactly what love was. She knew she had feelings, very strong feelings for her Potions Master. He was the one who helped her the most the past school year.

Snape pulled away slowly. "I-I should be going, Katrina."

Her face fell instantly. "So soon?" He nodded. "It was good to see you."

He looked deeply into her eyes. Noticing one thing from them. Her adoration for him. "Tomorrow then? I will try not to bring Lucius next time." They looked over to the table-Lucius bent over from drinking the Fire Whiskey Katrina had tampered with. They started walking, reaching the lifeless figure. "As for now… I believe I have the responsibility of aperating poor Lucius home."

"I'm sorry, Professor." She looked over at him. "I promise I will buy dinner for you tomorrow. And a drink or two."

He reached into Malfoy's pocket. "Here. Dinner will be on Lucius." He pulled out a small handful of coins, placing them in Katrina's hands.

She helped Snape pick up the figure, and stood back. With a parting smile from Snape, he disaperated.

The summer had been one of the best Katrina had ever had. The Wizarding Community accepted her. Most of them anyway.

Her days off, she spent in Diagon Alley, looking and longing for things she wished to have, but knew she could never afford.

When the day came that she thought she would be receiving her owl, it had not shown. She wasn't disappointed as she walked down later that night to eat. Not thinking of anything but going back to Hogwarts, she found Professor Snape sitting alone. Three empty glasses of something or another in front of him.

Reaching the bottom step, she noticed the look of anger etched across his face. Quickly as she could, she walked over to the table opposite him. "Professor, is everything alright?" She sat down before he even offered the invitation. Stretching out her hands she reached for his.

He jerked from her touch. "Get me more." He demanded almost in a tone he would use when getting after a student.

She stayed calm, trying to understand him. "More what?"

"I don't care what. Just get me more!" This time he looked up staring at her. He never looked sorry for yelling at her on this day.

"Fine." She stood, but did not move. "You will drink what I give you, even if it isn't something you want." She walked away, up to the bar, then brought back a tray. Placing it down on the table, she served her Professor, then herself. "I think you're a bit intoxicated, sir." She drew out the last two words. "It's time to sober up. And while I'm nursing you back, you can tell me why you're like this."

"That is none of your concern, child." He picked up the cup looked inside it, then placed it back down. He nodded to Tom as Katrina watched.

"Drink the tea." Katrina was getting angry. "You are not drinking anything else."

"And are you my mother?" He had a deadly tone to his voice. "I think not. Now leave me be."

She stood her ground. "Don't think so, sir." Pulling out the chair beside him, she sat. "Please tell me what happened today that made you start drinking?"

Tom had brought the drink out, placed it on the table, and walked away. Snape let out a deep sigh as he picked up the glass, examining the contents. Katrina gently touched the glass that was in his hands. "Get your damn hand off my drink!"

They started into each others eyes as Katrina calmly spoke. "Tell me what's wrong, Severus."

"That is out of line! Never speak my name again."

With her other hand, she touched his face. "Tell me what went on."

"Personal reasons." He said angrier. "Now, I suggest you leave. Or maybe I should." He put the glass on the table, standing. "I'll drink at home. Alone, so I can have at least a little bit of peace and quiet before you brats return."

She knew he was going to disaperate, so she did the only thing she could think of. She grabbed onto him, closing her eyes. Next thing she knew, she was in a dark room. Pulling out her wand, she lit it. "Professor?" He had moved to a chair slouching in it. Quickly, she lit the candles all at once as she knelt beside a man who looked defeated.

"You should not have done that, Katrina. Just leave me be." Snape grumbled shaking his head.

She touched his forearm, whispering. "Not when you're like this." A tear escaped her eye. "I don't much care to see any of my Professors like this. Especially you. Now tell me, what's wrong."

He spoke quietly, "Dumbledore refused me for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post."

Leaning against the arm of the char now, she spoke. "Is it that bad? Severus…" He gave her a loathing look. "What would happen if you had gotten that post? Who would teach me Potions?" She sat quiet for a moment. So did he, so she went on. "Didn't Professor Volkin just start teaching last year?"

"Yes. She resigned shortly after all of the students returned home." He closed his eyes. "I would have loved that post, and he knows it. As for teaching you potions…you know it is my post as for now."

Unconsciously, he brought his hand to her face. "So that's the reason you've been drinking?" He nodded. "Well, then, it's time to either sober you up, or put you in bed."

Out of nowhere, Snape asked. "Have you ever been in love?"

She pulled him out of the chair to help him to his room. "Unfortunately no." she helped him to the staircase.

He stopped, turning to look at her. Straight in the eye. "Why do you lie, Katrina. Every day I see your beautiful face-yet you lie to me."

"I have never lied to you, sir."

"Don't think that I don't watch you. At school or when I'm at the pub. You always have a smile, but when our eyes meet, you glow and your smile becomes brighter.""Not smiling now, am I?"

"You're still glowing."

"You don't know what you're talking about. Let me get you to bed."

They reached the top of the stairs, and then proceeded to Snape's room. Katrina helped him into bed after taking his robe off and then his shoes once he was in. Covering him with his blankets she spoke, "You should have stayed her with me for the holidays, Katrina. I would have shown you some of the more interesting locations."

Leaning in, she kissed his forehead. She brought her face down close to his. "Get some sleep. I'll stay with you for a bit, then I'll leave."

He put his hand on her face, cupping her cheek. Slowly he brought himself up the few inches it would take, touching his lips to hers. This was no little peck, it was laced with a want for the girl. Even a burning need for her, just so he knew that he was loved. "Katrina, you have changed my life drastically since meeting." He closed his eyes, mumbling. "I think I'm falling in love with you."

"Sleep, Severus. You won't remember a thing tomorrow." Katrina whispered hearing the show, heavy breathing coming from him.

That night, she returned to The Leaky Cauldron. The days went by, she had gotten her owl from Hogwarts, but the days after that one night slowly went by. She had not heard from or seen Professor Snape since.