A/N: Hello everyone! I have another warning for this chapter (I didn't realize how often this is happening, maybe I should put it in the story summary as well...) for some domestic abuse. It all happens in the set of text in italics, just after this first blurb. As always, feel free to skip over if it's not your cup of tea. :) Happy reading! And if I don't get to post again this weekend, I hope everyone has a great Easter holiday!

DISCLAIMER: I do not own anything Harry Potter in here. I'm just happily sitting in the sandbox and letting my imagination run wild!

Chapter 5: Anything Can Happen

The weekend went by pretty quick. Most of my time was spent in my room, drafting lesson plans and revising them. Auntie Minnie came by a couple of times, but I was mostly to myself. When I wasn't working on my plans I was at my piano, clearing my mind and relieving the stress that came with becoming a new teacher. On Sunday, I decided to take a walk around the school grounds again. Most of the students were out and relaxing or working on schoolwork that are due. I passed by the garden again, now remembering where it was at.

It was finally starting to get easier being here. As each day passes, it feels like this is where I should be. It felt nice, knowing there's is a place somewhere for me. The sun was starting to set as I started making my way back to my room. As I was walking down the corridor to my room, I could see Professor Snape leaving his office. I smiled at him as he watched me walk over to him.

"Hello, Professor," I said, waving at him. He nodded in return

"Good evening, Ms. Taylor," he said, looking at me with those eyes.

"Mia, please. Call me Mia." I never liked being called Ms. Taylor. It was always Mia. He seemed taken aback at my correction, but he seemed to relax a little.

"Very well. I was actually going to hand you this," he said, handing me a piece of parchment and a book. The parchment had a handwritten schedule, which I assumed were his office hours that he never gave me. The book, Magical Drafts and Potions, looked definitely worn in. I flipped through the pages, realizing it was a book on potions, complete with instructions on how to make a few of them. This was amazing! I wanted to run to my room and start reading.

"I recall you mentioning that your degree in Chemistry could be relatable to potions, so I thought you might find some interest in this textbook. All first years are required to have this for my class," he paused as I looked at him, smiling.

"This is amazing, I can't wait to get into this book. Thank you, professor," I said, still flipping through the book. I felt a small breeze as his robes billowed passed me. I turned to watch him walk away.

"My class starts at 8 tomorrow morning. Don't be late," he said before turning the corner. I shook my head as I continued my return to my room. The rest of my night was spent burying my nose in the potions book.

"Why does it have to be like this?" I asked him, tears streaming down my face. I had quite a few bruises on me already, and my lip was bleeding. I don't even remember why we were fighting in the first place; I just remember him getting angry and landing punches on me.

"Because you don't know how to listen, dear," Lucas said, frustrated. "If you knew how to listen, I wouldn't have to do this."

Whack! A swift back hand landed on my cheek. My face was going numb.

"I'm sorry, just tell me how to make it better," I said, my voice so small I could barely hear myself. He looked at me, as if he was contemplating something. He held my face level with his, hand at my chin. I looked straight into his eyes, pleading for forgiveness and mercy. I'm not sure how much more I could handle. He started to kiss me softly, and I winced from the cut on my lips.

He stood back to look at me, his thumb running across the cut. He seemed sad, almost guilty of what he had done to me. This wasn't the first time, though. He ran the back of his fingers across my cheek as I melted into his touch. How does he do this to me?

"I have to get going soon, my dear. Do you know how you could make this better?" Lucas said, inching closer, wrapping his arms around my waist. I looked up at him, scared of what he would do, but excited at what could possibly come next. I wrapped my arms around his neck, nuzzling into his chest. Suddenly, he picked me up, my legs wrapping around his waist as he carried me to the bed.

"Show me, after everything I've done, that you still love me."

I ran my fingers across my lips, thinking about the dream that I had last night. I can't believe after all this time I'm still thinking about that. I wrapped my blanket around me tighter, sighing at my ability to not sleep. I wonder if there will ever be a time where I will finally be over all of this. It feels like Lucas was so long ago, yet he's still here now. It's almost like something in me doesn't want to let him go. I looked over at the mantle, trying to distract myself from my thoughts. It was almost six in the morning. I figured I can take my bath now so I can be early to Professor Snape's class this morning.

I walked into the bathroom and turned on the water, then walked back out to retrieve a bath bomb and a bath fizzer. My baths were never complete without these two things. By the time I got back, the tub was just about full, so I turned the water off, and threw the two balls inside. They both started to dissolve almost immediately, one turning the water purple and making the room smell like lavender, and the other making bubbles. I stripped myself of my pajamas then sunk myself into the bathtub, welcoming the sting of the hot water. I tied my hair up into a high bun; I'll take care of that when my bath is done. I took a big whiff of the smell of lavender, letting the aroma relax my mind and my body. Humming a familiar tune, I focused on the hot water surrounding my body, letting it calm every aching muscle.

This was probably the most relaxed I have felt in a long time.

I knew it was time for me to get out when the water started to feel cold. Once all the water was drained, I used the shower head to wash my hair and the bubbles off of my body. It was seven by the time I was out and getting dressed. I opted for a black long sleeve, black skirt, and pumps. I didn't feel like dealing with my hair today, so I just threw it back up into a high bun while it was still wet. I looked at myself in the mirror.

"Too much black," I said out loud. I rummaged through my jewelry and decided to wear my pearl studs and my serpent necklace. My makeup was pretty standard, but in an effort to put some color, decided on my red lipstick for today.

Seven forty-five. Perfect. I grabbed my notebook, Magical Drafts and Potions, and my pea coat before leaving my room. The door to both his office and his classroom were still locked. I leaned my back against the stone wall, one foot propped up, and started reading the text book.

"Wolfsbane, asphodel, bezoar? This is bizarre," I mumbled myself, reading through the list of ingredients that could be used to make a potion. Apparently, potions also use scarab beetles and snake fangs. I shivered at thought of having to use such things. I read on, studying all the properties of the ingredients and what they could do. There are certainly differences between Potions and Chemistry, but the concept is pretty much the same. As I turned the page to read about a potion called Amortentia, I could see Professor Snape out of the corner of my eye, rounding the corner.

"Good morning, Mia," Professor Snape greeted me as I looked up from the book. He was a lot more menacing in teaching robes.

"Morning, Professor," I said, tilting the book towards him. "This is a great read, I haven't been able to put it down." He smirked, turning to open the classroom door.

"Have you concluded if there is any relation between Potions and Chemistry?" he asked, walking towards the front of the class. He waved his hand and a stool appeared next to his chair, and offered said stool to me. He eyed every step that I took, and waited patiently for me to answer. I sat down before answering.

"The concepts are essentially the same, the only difference I've seen so far is the ingredients being used and the equipment needed. This is all so fascinating, I think I would learn this pretty quick," I said, may be sounding a little too eager. I looked up, and I could tell that he was impressed with what I had to say. I made a mental note to lend him one of my chemistry books that I had brought with me, and let him decide for himself.

He crossed his arms as he eyed me. "I do have a break after the morning class. If you wish, you may stay and take a look around," he said, walking around his desk and sitting in his chair.

"I would really like that. Thank you," I told him, grateful for letting me invade his personal space. I wonder if this is what Auntie Minnie meant by "tolerating". He nodded, then waved his hand towards the door. It flew open and students started pouring in.

Professor Snape's teaching methods are very different from Auntie Minnie. For one, he does not take anyone's crap. Good for him, but I think it scares the students a little. He gives points when students respond correctly, but will not hesitate to take them away if they are incorrect. It seems pretty effective though, considering the subject. I remember when I was taking my upper division classes and having professors just as tight lipped as Professor Snape. Some of the ingredients we would handle could prove to be volatile and even deadly if it was misused. I would assume the same consequences could happen if potions weren't made correctly. For this particular class, the morning session was their lecture, so the whole time the students were taking notes while Professor Snape presented on different ingredients and their potential uses. I probably paid just as much attention as the students, feeling the need to understand everything Professor Snape was spewing out at his students.

It also gave me a chance to spend some time with this mysterious Professor. There was something about him that I found…intriguing. I do agree, he was pretty intimidating, but I think that's just because of the nature of his expertise. He's passionate about potions, there's no doubt about that. He reminds me of when I was getting my Chem Degree. My parents told me I had a fierce passion for the subject, and weren't surprised when I decided to take it at USC. I graduated with highest honors, and that took a lot of blood, sweat and tears. He's probably spent mores years in Potions than I have in Chem. There's much to learn from him. Other than his obvious passion for Potions, there's not much else he has given away. He seemed like a very private man. I don't blame him, though; I'd rather keep my life private, too. It would be safer that way for everyone.

The last half hour, Professor Snape allowed the students to work on a homework assignment. They worked in silence as he walked around the room, surveying their work. I continued to read through the textbook while doodling diagrams of random molecules and completing half of the periodic table. When Professor Snape was done making his rounds, he came around me, eyeing my doodles before he sat back down. He never took his eyes off the page. I knew I caught his attention with all the different molecular structures floating on the page and the oddly organized boxes containing abbreviations. He looked at me, curious, and I gave a small smile in return.

As if we were two students sitting next to each other, I wrote him a note.

I have a few Chemistry books in my room. You can borrow them if you're interested.

I passed the piece of paper to him, our fingers brushing against each other as he took it from me. I watched as he unfolded the note and making a quick glance at the class to make sure they were still doing their work. It was funny watching him slowly opening the note; it was like he was trying to be sneaky about it. I had to stifle a laugh as he finally had it fully opened and was reading it. I shook my head as I completed the periodic table. I can't believe I know that whole thing by heart, but I guess that comes with the territory. I took a look at the class, some of the students were already anxious to leave. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw something floating. I looked back to see the parchment floating mid-air towards me, and then landing perfectly in the center of my notebook.

I looked at him, telepathically saying "Really?" to him (although he probably didn't get it) while I unceremoniously opened the note.

I would quite enjoy that.

"Don't forget, your essays are due next session, there will be no exceptions. You are dismissed," he bellowed out to the class. The second he finished the word "dismissed", the students quickly gathered their belongings and rushed out of the room. As the door swung closed, I finally let out the laugh that's been sitting in my gut.

"No wonder the students are so scared of you," I said, trying to catch my breath. I got up and walked around the classroom, letting my fingers graze over the wooden desks.

"On the contrary, Ms. Taylor, if I don't conduct my class the way that I do, what's to say those dunderheads will blow a hole through the room?" he retaliated, raising an eyebrow. I turned to him with my own eyebrow raised.

"I already told you once, Mia will do fine. Ms. Taylor is too formal." I shivered, just saying Ms. Taylor. I noticed at one end of the classroom there was a large cupboard. Without asking, I just opened it, finding different ingredients and various tools that I assume are used when making a potion. I recognized some of the names on the bottles from reading about them in the book.

"That would be the student supply cabinet. I keep it well stocked, especially on days when students have their practicals," Professor Snape said, walking to me with his hands behind his back. He stood behind me as I perused the student supply cabinet. There were 2 shelves full of ingredients, a storage bin for extra cauldrons, and another, smaller bin for rods. There was also a drawer with different utensils that you can use on the ingredients. It was very neat and well organized, just the way I like it. I heard him take one step closer to me.

"I also keep my own private storeroom that has infinitely more than what is stored in here, if you'd like to take a look," he said, almost teasing me. Oh, what science can do to a woman like me. I turned and caught him with one of those mischievous smirks. He led me through a side door that opened into what looked like an office. Behind the desk, there was a small door. He opened it and let me in, and I couldn't help but look at everything with my mouth wide open.

The room was almost filled up to the ceiling with shelves, some with potions already made and some with ingredients, waiting to be used. I leaned against one of the counters, looking at the different potions that were already shelved. Amortentia, Calming Draught, Blood-Replenishing Potion, and more were just on one shelf. You can't do this with even some of the safer elements. Everything had to be done in a lab, but here, it was right at his fingertips. I'd be a liar if I said I wasn't in the slightest bit jealous. As I snaked my way around the three walls full of ingredients and potions, I found myself wanting to learn how to make this stuff. It would be nice to have my own little storage of potions if I ever needed it. I turned to look at him with curious eyes.

"Will you teach me how to make one?" I asked, hopeful that he would say yes. I think I've passed the "tolerable" stage with him. Take that, Auntie Minnie!

He looked at me for a second before looking around and grabbing a few ingredients off of the shelves. Dried nettles, snake fangs, horned slugs, and porcupine quills. I followed him as we walked back into the classroom.

"Cure for Boils. Simple first year potion. I assume with someone that has an equivalent of a Masters could easily procure this," he said, laying the ingredients on the table. I walked over to his desk to pick up the textbook and flipped to the page containing the instructions on how to make this potion. I quickly skimmed through, realizing I can't do half of the requirements because, one, I don't have a wand, and two, I don't know how to do magic. On Halloween, I apparently did, but I certainly don't know how to do it now. I looked at him, exasperated.

"You do realize I can't do half of the steps in here, right? Unless you want to do all the magic for me," I said, tilting my head toward him. He gave an unsatisfied grunt.

"I suppose I can assist you," he said flatly. He handed me a mortar and pestle and I began to prepare the ingredients for the cauldron.

By Friday, I was able to brew two potions at the same time while working on a third. Granted, all of the potions were fairly simple in his eyes, but he claims I am catching on faster than his third and fourth years.

Professor Snape would be a great lab partner. It was almost like we were in sync with each other, and we never bumped heads. It felt more like we were feeding off of each other's energy, bouncing our thoughts off of one another. It has been a while since I've had a colleague like that. The one only one that ever came close was Maddie, but she got an offer at a better company, and no one ever came to fill her place.

"Sleeping Draught is ready," I said, taking one last look at the cauldron before moving on to a larger one that contained Blood-Replenishing potion. He tasked me to bottling these for the hospital wing while he tended to my concoction.

"Very impressive, Mia," he said, waving his wand. "Once you're able to be in control of your magic, you will be efficient in brewing potions."

I frowned at the mention of my magical abilities. How come I never knew I had them? Did I always have them? There were so many thoughts running through my mind about this. Of course I wanted to learn, but where do I begin? I was taken out of my thoughts when I heard the Professor snort.

"If only the students had even a quarter of your brain, it would make this place more…tolerable."

I failed to hide my own snort, and he turned to look at me with that impeccable eyebrow raised. I blushed as I looked away, putting on the stoppers on the vials.

"Sorry, that just reminded me of something Auntie Minnie told me a while back," I quickly said, trying to end the conversation there. He sauntered over to me, arms crossed across his chest. I looked at him with mischievous eyes.

"Just curious," I started, facing him, arms also crossed. "Would you say that I am…tolerable?" It was really hard to not laugh as I said the word, but I was able to get through it without sounding garbled. I pursed my lips, trying to hide my smile.

Snape leaned against the table before answering. "If you have to ask, I think you are more than tolerable. I have come to…enjoy your company," he said, eyeing me. Well, this got awkward. I could feel my blush and my smile giving me away, so I turned and started gathering the potions for Madame Pompfrey, trying to distract myself.

"I think I enjoy your company, too," I said, taking a quick look at him. It was quiet for a couple of minutes before Snape cleared his throat.

"Slytherin's first Quidditch game is this afternoon. Would you like me to accompany you to the pitch?" he asked, hesitantly.

"Yes, that would be great," I said, my blush invading my cheeks again. He gave me a comforting smirk, which helped me relax a bit. At least I'm not the only one feeling sheepish, I guess. I grabbed the basket of potions before making my leave.

"I'll take these over to Madame Pompfrey for you before I go and change for the game. I'll meet you back here?" I asked, reaching the door.

"As you wish," he said, nodding. I'm glad we're getting along. I gave him one last smile before leaving his classroom.

I knocked on his office door, ready to go watch my first game of Quidditch. I am actually very excited to watch this game. After Auntie and another professor (Sprout I think was her name) told me everything there was to know about the game, all there was left to do was go and watch one for myself. I changed from my teaching attire to a pair of jeans and a green top that flew with the wind. I opted for my leather jacket today, seeing as nothing else really matches this top. My hair went down into a side ponytail for the rest of the day.

"Enter," I heard him say, and I walked through the door. He was standing by his desk, wrapping a scarf around himself. He also opted to not wear his teaching robes, but for one that is a bit thicker. I eyed his warmer outerwear and weight it against mine.

"May be it's time for me to get warmer clothes. And the proper teaching attire," I said, looking at my jacket. Snape eyed my outfit before responding.

"Minerva can simply apply a warming charm to your wardrobe, unless you're so eager to wear robes, then be my guest." I turned to look at him as I shoved my hands into my jacket pockets. If I didn't know any better, it would seem that Snape was throwing a compliment my way. Assuming he rarely gives out compliments, I'll just run away with it.

"I didn't know my wardrobe was Snape-approved. I'll have to let Auntie Minnie know to apply those charms right away!" His mouth dropped opened, but then closed once he realized what he was doing. He took out his wand, and with a swift flick, I could feel my clothes keeping me warm. He shook his head before leading me out of his office.

The walk to the pitch was quiet, but it was nice to go with someone. I would have gotten lost if I went on my own. We did receive a few looks from students and some of the staff, probably because they aren't used to seeing Snape walking with anyone to go anywhere. Once we passed the outer walls of the castle, I had to stop to take in the sight of the arena. The pitch almost reminded me of a football or soccer stadium, except it was shaped in a long oval with a set of 3 hoops on the left and right side. There were several towers surrounding the arena, each decorated in a different house color. After walking down the path and into the entrance, we made a right and went three towers down to the faculty seating. I was winded by the time we got to the top.

"Auntie!" I said, waving to her as I walked her way. She smiled as she gave me a peck on the cheek.

"Hello dear, are you ready for your first game of Quidditch?" I nodded, excited. I turned to see that Snape did not follow me; he is sitting two rows up from where I was at. I turned back to Auntie Minnie.

"Do you mind if I, um-" She raised her hand, almost encouraging me to go.

"It's absolutely fine, dear. You go have fun. Besides," she paused to eye Snape. "Today's game is Gryffindor versus Slytherin. As the students say, I shouldn't 'fraternize with the enemy'." She kissed me goodbye as I climbed up to sit next to Snape.

The game started, and Snape walked me through what was happening during the game. I didn't even have to ask him this time, he just did it, which was nice. Students in green were Slytherin – his house. Students in burgundy were Gryffindor – Auntie Minnie's house. The one in black robes and goggles was Madame Hooch, the referee. Eventually, Gryffindor scored first, and Snape grunted, dissatisfied that his house was not playing at their best. I could see Auntie Minnie raising her fist in triumph as Gryffindor scored again. Suddenly, one of the Slytherin students had the ball, and they were flying towards the hoops.

"Do it, Flint, if you know what's good for you," Snape said under his breath. I looked at him, surprised. I never pegged him for being a sports kind of guy.

The bludgers were flying in crazy criss-cross directions, obliterating everything in their path. They knocked down a couple of players, but Snape said that is common and to not be worried. Both of our heads turned towards a certain Gryffindor player. His broom seemed to have a life of its own, whipping left, then right. It nearly knocked him out of the air.

"Potter!" Snape said, looking at him wide eyed. Harry Potter! He stared at the boy with his piercing eyes and started muttering something. I don't think this would be considered a normal occurrence in a game of Quidditch. I looked at Snape, then to Harry, then back at Snape again. I wish there was something I could do to help.

A few minutes passed by and Snape was still attempting to save Harry from a very nasty fall. Suddenly, I could smell something burning. I tipped my nose to the air, smelling to see where it came from. My eyes landed on the floor next to Snape.

"Professor! Your robes!" I yelled, stepping over him and trying to put out the fire. Everyone around us backed away, trying to not catch on fire as well. It took both of our feet to put it out, but at least it didn't reach to his trousers. It took us a minute to realize we were in each other's arms, but when we did, we looked at each other with wide eyes before separating and sitting back down. Harry ended up catching the golden snitch, safe and sound. Snape let out a sigh, part disappointed that his house lost, but part relieved because Harry was safe.

Who was trying to sabotage the game in the first place? I guess anything can happen in the wizarding world.