A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you all had a good Easter weekend. :) I wanted to try and delve a little deeper into the relationship between Minerva and Mia, and also trying to move along the relationship with Snape, so here's my go at it. Let me know what you think!

Chapter 6: Misery Loves Company

"Mia, dear, wake up." I felt a hand gently awaken me from my pleasant dream. Go figure - the one time I get a good night of sleep, I am awaken by someone other than me.

"Mia, I have something to show you," Auntie Minnie said. Groggily, I threw the covers off of myself and sit up, trying to wake up the rest of my body.

"It's Saturday. Why are you waking me up so early?" I rubbed my eyes, breaking up the crust that was keeping my eyes from opening. I noticed the excitement on her face. She didn't want to spoil it, but I knew it had to be something good. I finally willed myself to get out of bed and get dressed. She told me to dress warm, so I threw on a pair of sweatpants and a sweater, then followed her out of my room.

"When you were younger, we used to do this all the time with your father," she said, leading me up the stairs and out of the dungeon. As we rounded the corner, the familiar tingling of the cold covered my face.

This could only mean one thing.

The first snow has fallen!

My eyes grew wide as I looked at the fresh snow that fell overnight. It was still lightly snowing, white powder flowing freely onto the ground. All of the memories I had of the three of us came flooding into my mind. I miss our vacation home. Dad and Auntie Minnie would make snowmen, snow angels, snow anything with me while mom was in the house making hot chocolate and snicker doodle cookies. Dad would pull me around in the sled while Auntie would playfully throw snowballs at dad. I distinctly remember one time when she hit him square in the face, and I fell off of the sled because I was laughing so hard. Those were good times. I wish I had more of those. I turned to look at Auntie Minnie, tears on the verge of falling. I hugged her tight, letting the tears fall when she couldn't see my face. She wrapped her arms around me in a motherly embrace.

"I remember how much you loved the snow, and those days I spent with you are some of my most cherished memories," she said, stroking my hair. She pulled me back to look at my face, and gently wiped a tear that fell from my eye. I was speechless. It's been so long since I felt anything close to a mother be with me.

"Well, shall we?" she said, taking out her wand and with a quick flick she charmed our clothes to stay warm and dry. She reached out for my hand, and I took it as we walked into the snow.

I felt like a kid again, balling up snow and throwing it up in the air. I listened to my boots crunch while I walked into the snow, leaving a trail of my footprints behind me. The snow was so white and so fluffy. I walked over to the tree in the middle of the yard and ran around it. I looked at the branches that stuck out, little piles of snow gathered on each branch.

Whack!

Snow shouldn't be hitting my face at that speed. I looked around to see Auntie Minnie balling up some snow.
"It's on!" I yelled, trying to hide behind the tree as I grabbed some snow.

"I don't know if you remember dear, but your father said I had a good arm," the older woman said, lobbing another snowball my way. I was able to dodge it before throwing one and hitting her straight in the chest.

"I do, but now I'm older and wiser," I said, flashing her a mischievous smile. She laughed, dusting off the snow from her robes. I ran over towards a bench and dove behind it, letting the snow fall on my neck and melt down my back. As cold as it was, it felt great. Unfortunately, I decided to get up at the wrong time as another snowball hit me in the face. I could hear Auntie Minnie laughing while she hid on the other side of the tree.

As stealthily as I could, I made a snowball and crept around the tree. Luckily, she turned the other way, allowing me to meet her face to face before hitting her with my last snowball.

"Victory!" I yelled, making fake cheering noises. Auntie Minnie held her hands up in fake defeat. I could tell this won't be the last time we will battle in the snow. She brought me in for a hug again.

"I think it's time for breakfast. Shall we?" she asked, leading me back into the corridor. I nodded as we made our way to the Great Hall to eat.

We were the last of the faculty to arrive for breakfast. Snape was already there, almost halfway through his plate. I smiled at him as I sat down and started to fill my plate. I could tell he was eyeing me since the moment I stepped into the hall. I paid him no attention, though. I was starving due to our impromptu morning snowball fight. I shoved a piece of potato in my mouth before looking at him.

"What?" I asked, chewing on the potato. He opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again to rethink.

"I never knew you could be so... casual... with your attire," he said. What's wrong with sweats and a sweater? The man has seen me in less than this, unfortunately, and he chooses to say something about this?

Men. I'll never understand.

"Auntie Minnie woke me up and told me to dress warm. This was what I come up with when I'm half asleep," I replied, inhaling the scrambled eggs. He eyed me with interest again.

"Fascinating. I also have never seen you so aggressive with your food. Let me guess, this was also Minerva's doing," he drawled.

I waved my fork at him. "If there's one thing I learned, it's to never ever challenge Minerva McGonagall to a snowball fight."

We spent the rest of the breakfast hour talking about my progress with the potions I've been brewing. I've learned quite a bit from him, so much that he's beginning to trust me more on my own when helping him with potions for Madame Pompfrey. He asked if I would be able to stop by today to help with the brewing, but unfortunately I had to decline for today. Auntie Minnie and I planned to spend the day together, clocking in some well needed girl time and to do some shopping before I start my classes. He seemed to be bummed that I had to skip out on today, but he seemed relieved that I was going out to do something.

It's only been several weeks since we have started to see each other on a regular basis, but I would have to say that I do consider Snape as a friend. I think having the common denominator of science in our blood helps. I've even told him a few stories of adolescent me and how I always loved playing with my chemistry sets at home. In return, he's told me stories of his students during his time here as a Potions Master, reminiscing on some of the more memorable students who almost blew up his classroom. The last time I have ever spent this much time with some (let alone a man) was when I was with Lucas, but my time with the Professor can't be compared to that. I actually – really – enjoyed spending time with him.

I've tried to keep my anxiety at a minimum while I was around him, but there were some times when it would just randomly come and go, probably because of the potions I was attempting to brew. I was starting to attempt more complicated potions, which required more work. Several times he's had to calm me down and regulate my breathing. He was a good friend - he never asked questions, he was just there when I needed him. He seemed to have so much patience with me, something I never had luck finding in a man. I was so grateful for that, and for him.

He offered to walk me back down the dungeons so I could get ready for my outing with my godmother. Before leaving, I gave Auntie a quick peck on the cheek, and I told her I'll meet her in her room after I'm done getting ready. Snape held the door open for me as I walked through.

"I heard we're going on Holiday soon. Do you have any plans?" I asked him, shoving my hands into my pockets. He shook his head.

"I usually stay to finish grading and to continue brewing. I don't have family I wish to spend the Holidays with." I frowned at his answer. No one should be alone for the holidays. I made a mental note to get him a nice Christmas gift while I'm out shopping today. He looked at me, probably sensing the awkwardness around us.

"How about you? This is your first Holiday at Hogwarts. Will you be staying in as well?"

"I believe so. Auntie Minnie is staying here. As far as I'm concerned, the only people that I would want to spend Christmas with are here in this castle." Those people being Auntie Minnie and Snape. We rounded the corner and went down the stairs that led to our rooms. We passed his as he escorted me to mine.

"Sorry I can't be there today. I can be there tomorrow, though," I said, smiling at him. He nodded, satisfied.

"There's no need to apologize. You deserve it, after what you've been through in your first few months here," he said, resting his hands behind his back. He bowed respectfully before turning on his heel to retreat to his room. I watched as he walked away before opening my door.

We started our trip in London, visiting some stores to expand my wardrobe. I also stopped by a music store to pick up some new guitar strings and extra picks. We had lunch before returning to the wizarding world to pick up magical items that I would need for teaching. She took me to this place called Diagon Alley. This is where all the students go when they need to buy school supplies. Since I am brand new to this world, she insisted that I pick up everything a first year would have to pick up for school, minus the textbooks. Our first stop was a place called Ollivanders. It was a small shop, but the walls were filled with small boxes from floor to ceiling. There was one desk and 2 small hallways. An older man came out of one of the hallways to greet us.

"Garrick, my friend," Auntie greeted him. The two shared a quick hug before he looked at me.

"Is this her, Minerva?" He asked, studying me. She nodded, eyeing the shelves full of boxes.

"Yes, and she needs a wand. This is her first time here in the wizarding world." Garrick looked at me surprised before offering his hand to me.

"I am Garrick Ollivander. Almost every student at Hogwarts has received their wand through me. I can assure you, there is one in here made just for you. It's just a matter of finding out which one is calling for you."

I smiled. "Mia Taylor. Thank you." I wasn't really sure how to respond to the man who would be choosing my wand. This was making it more real now. I'm going to have my own wand! I can do my own magic! Sure, it will take some time, but it will be exciting once I'm able to do it on my own.

Mr. Ollivander stepped back to take a look at me. He then started to slowly pace around the room, eyeing his inventory of wands. After a few minutes, he decided on climbing the ladder behind his desk to reach for a box that was 4 shelves up. He opened the box to reveal one the many wands in his shop. He took the wand out of the box and let me hold it. It was a light brown color, probably almost eight or nine inches in length. There was a ring of gold around the handle. Mr. Ollivander instructed me to focus on the empty box on the floor.

"Imagine yourself making that box float. When you're ready, give your wand a flick and see if you can make that box float." I nodded as I stared at the box. I visualized it lifting from the ground before I flicked my wrist. Instead of the box floating, it exploded. Both I and Auntie Minnie jumped back. "Definitely not the one," Mr. Ollivander said, taking the wand back and placing it back into its box.

Three wands and numerous box explosions later, we finally found the one wand that didn't make my box go kaboom. It was an eleven inch wand, made from black walnut wood with a Phoenix feather core. Not sure what that meant, he did mention that the wands usually choose the witch or wizard, depending on who they are and what attributes the have. I guess I was the chosen one for this wand. Auntie graciously paid for my wand before leaving to visit another store.

We entered just about every store in Diagon Alley. Besides my wand, I now have quills, ink, parchment, some knick knacks for my desk, and the ever-so-trusting teaching robes. I opted for something that would let me be unique. I never knew there many styles of teaching robes. I opted for one that hung on me almost like my graduation gown, but it only had one button that rested right in between my collarbones.

We only had one more stop to make, but we were both going to different places. We agreed to meet in front of Ollivanders once we were done. I strolled along the street, looking for a place where I can buy Christmas presents. I knew Auntie Minnie loves truffles, so I walked into the candy store and bought some to give her for Christmas. Buying a gift for Snape was hard. Not exactly sure what he likes, or if he's really ever received gifts from his colleagues before. I found a small shop called Slug & Jiggers Apothecary. I walked in, looking at the never ending walls of potion supplies and ingredients. I could be in this store forever. They had ingredients I haven't even read about in the books I have borrowed. My eyes landed on a set of potion brewing tools. The tools were a jet black with silver trimming, resting in a simple box. This will be perfect! I took the set to the front and paid, relieved that I was able to find something for my new friend.

I still had some time before I had to meet Auntie in front of the wand shop, so I entered a jewelry store nearby. Maybe one day I'll be able to indulge myself and buy something for myself here. My eyes were set on a necklace that laid next to matching earrings. The shopkeeper said the necklace was make of white gold and diamonds, my two favorite things to wear. He took it out of the display case for me to drool over. It was in the shape of two infinity symbols, intertwined with each other. The larger infinity was covered in green diamonds – my favorite color. The smaller infinity laid perfectly inside the larger one, a simple silver color with one round diamond resting on the inner curve. It was beautiful.

"Yes, it is such a beautiful necklace," a menacing voice replied right next to my ear. My hair stood on end as I came to realize who that voice belonged to. I turned slowly to face the blonde man looking hungrily at me.

"Lucas," I said, flatly. I needed to be brave. I was terrified, but I needed to be brave if I wanted to get over this – get over him. I stood straighter, raising my chin to him. I balled my hands into fists so he wouldn't see them shaking.

"My dear, how I've missed you so. I didn't think I would have run into you here. You look beautiful."

I knew those words were lies. I knew his tricks. I swore to myself I would never fall for a man like him again.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him, starting to feel my anxiety run through my body.

"Errands, until I found you," he said in a dark tone. He took my hands in his. My bravery was gone, now. All I had was terror and anxiety lacing through my body. I needed to get out of here.

He rubbed the back of my hands with his thumbs before continuing. "I want to make amends with you, and I want us together again. I promise, it will be better." I don't know if I should believe him. He took one step closer to me. "Now that I know that you are a witch, that changes things. I can give you anything you have ever wanted. All you need to do is say yes." I shook my head. It was now or never.

"Not after what you did to me, Lucas. Those were some of the worst years of my life, spending them with you. I'm sorry, but I don't need you anymore." I took my hands away from his, stepping back. His eyes became angry, burning holes into my very soul.

"Ungrateful witch! I will have you. I always get what I want." He eyed me up and down once before exiting the jewelry store.

As the door shut, I turned around and rested my elbows on the glass case. I ran my fingers through my hair, trying to steady my breathing. That was way too close for comfort, and now I was left to pick up the pieces. Angrily, I wiped the tears threatening my eyes as I heard the door open again, relieved that it was Auntie Minnie flowing through and throwing her arms around me. I sobbed quietly into her shoulder, trying to shake my feelings off.

"I'm so sorry, Mia. I had no idea he was here. Did he do anything to you?" she asked, holding me at arm's length and inspecting me over. I shook my head, relieved that he didn't.

"No, I'm okay. Just a little shaken up, that's all," I said, focusing my gaze back at the necklace, hoping it would distract me. She moved to stand next to me and picked up the necklace. She ran her thumbs across the diamonds.

"This is a beautiful necklace," she commented, looking at me. I smiled, feeling my anxiety and terror leave my body.

"It's on my wish list. Maybe I will spoil myself after my first paycheck," I laughed, taking it from her and looking at it myself. She swatted my arm.

"Buy yourself other things, but don't buy this. Let someone else spoil you with this. Maybe I'll get it for you for Christmas," she said, turning to leave.

"Then I would feel horrible about what I got you. I'd have to get you something better." I really hope she won't get me that necklace. The truffles wouldn't suffice. She dismissively waved her hand as I followed her out.

We returned to the castle a couple of hours ago, but I still couldn't shake off the image of seeing Lucas again. No matter what I did, I couldn't get the picture of his face out of my mind. I sat on my couch, holding onto my guitar and watching the flames in the fire dance into oblivion. I was shaken out of my thoughts when I heard a knock at my door.

"It's unlocked!" I yelled, hoping they could hear me. I heard the door open and close and footsteps coming around.

"Minerva told me what happened today. Are you alright?" I looked up to see Snape with a concerned look written all over his face. He sat down on the other end of the couch, eyeing me and then my guitar.

"If you take out the fact that I probably saw my life flash before my eyes, and my anxiety reached an all-time high, I think I could pass for okay," I said, sarcastically. I looked at my guitar and strummed a random chord. I sighed as I looked at him.

"You know, I was hoping that I wouldn't have to see him ever again. It was bad enough that he's in my memories. He's caused me so much grief, grief that I will probably never recover from. All I can learn to do now is live with it." I sighed in frustration, leaning back against the couch and looking at the ceiling.

"I thought I loved him," I said quietly, before laughing to myself. "I'm pretty sure he's screwed up my chances at ever having a normal dating life. I guess I'll die alone." I strummed another random chord on my guitar. I looked over at my friend, who was looking at me like I had just said something crazy. He seemed to ponder for a moment before speaking.

"Minerva is right, you know. You are an amazing person. You are brilliant in everything you do. You are passionate, and I can see that in your eagerness to learn Potions. Your bravery in saving Ms. Granger that night speaks volumes of who you really are. Despite what you have told me so far about yourself, you are still breathing and living your life to the fullest. As for the skeletons in your closet, I would like to offer my help." He sat up, becoming more serious with his tone.

"That night when Minerva brought me here to help you, I sensed Dark Magic inside of you. That is something that shouldn't be taken lightly, and it is most likely contributing to your anxiety and your inability to sleep. Although potions will help curb these misfortunes, they won't make it go away. That is where I come in."

That was a lot to digest in a small amount of time. I felt so flattered by his choice of words to describe me. Then he laid it on thick about my anxiety. Dark Magic inside of me? Where did it come from? Snape looked at me for a moment before crossing his arms.

"I want you to play a song, there is something I would like to try," he said, leaning back against the couch.

I shifted uneasily. There was a song that seemed fitting for our odd conversation. I started playing the song, singing along to the strumming of my guitar. I could subtly hear Snape mumbling something, but I couldn't make out what he was saying. I closed my eyes, and I could see his face again. I mentally swatted his face away, focusing on the song. I could feel the darkness come around me again, and I struggled to not let it consume me. I could faintly feel a blanket of warmth come over my body, starting at the top of my head and going down all the way to my toes. The darkness seemed to be going away, my vision slowly turning grey. I could see the outline of a face coming into focus. I knew already it wasn't his face, it was another face. This face had light skin, a hooked nose, and piercing black eyes. Blonde hair was replaced with black. His stare turned from piercing to warm and comforting. I could see love in those eyes. I felt a burst of energy come from my midsection, and my eyes shot open, staring at the face I just saw behind my eyelids. I stopped playing and looked at him in amazement. We were both gasping for air, staring at each other.

"What did you do?" I asked, narrowing my gaze at him. I couldn't really describe what I was feeling at that moment. It was as if he was chipping away at the pain that's resided in me for years. I gently set my guitar on the floor and scooted closer to him. I held his hands, and he stiffened at my touch.

"If you can take all of that away," I said, a smile creeping up on my face. "I'd forever be in debt to you. I've been like this for so long. I'm so tired of it." I held onto his hand tighter, feeling my anxiety peak and my tears flowing out of my eyes. I was a complete mess. I suddenly felt arms wrap around me.

"No one should be allowed to live with what is inside of you."

It's been so long since I have felt this kind of comfort from someone. I've spent a better part of my last eight or nine years by myself. Not physically, but emotionally and mentally I was all on my own. I had no one to run to. The one person that I should have ran to was the one person causing all of his turmoil. I relished in his kind gesture. It was a new feeling for the both of us. It felt so right being in his arms at this very moment. He smelled earthy, much like the ingredients he uses when making potions. His warmth seemed to protect me. I felt safe, and that's all I ever wanted.

I still didn't completely understand what was going on with me and Dark Magic, but I felt attracted to Snape at this moment. I wanted to stay like this for however long he wanted me, if he wanted me at all.

Baby steps, I reminded myself. Dark Magic first, feelings later.