Hello everybody! I hope you liked my last chapter. This one is going to be a little longer to make up for the time that I've slacked off on this story. It's been wayyy to long, and I apologize for keeping you waiting.

I also would like to mention that I will be writing Snape's personality a little differently than in the books. I don't want to make him an angry, intolerable person around Valarie. He's going to be an old fart that is trying his best to be a father.

This chapter's songs are:

Pack It Up by The Pretenders

Closing Time by Semisonic

Enjoy!

Chapter 4

The next few weeks passed by in the blink of an eye, and before Valarie knew it, it was the day of her departure. Snape had sent a letter, curiously by owl, that he would be arriving at around noon. Valarie wasn't too surprised to find out that birds were a wizard's way of post after everything she had learned so far. The more she knew about the new world she was thrown into, the less anxious she was about it.

As for her current school, she wouldn't be missing much due to summer break coming up in a few days. That was a relief to her, she never liked it there. She wondered if there was more than just magic classes at Hogwarts because she rather enjoyed some of her classes at "muggle school". Art was one of them. She wasn't the best artist so-to-speak, but it was a fun way to pass the time and express herself in a way other activities couldn't.

Valarie was already up and ready to go, much to Aunt Mandy's surprise. She went into the kitchen to eat something quickly before Severus arrived. He stated in his letter that he "doesn't tolerate unpunctuality," and that she should be ready when he arrived. The time was half-past 11:00, so she needed to hurry. She grabbed half a bagel, spread some cream cheese on top, and called it good. She ate quickly, taking gulps of water to get the bread down faster.

She rushed over to put on her shoes and jumper, and nearly ran into Aunt Mandy in the process.

"Look out Valarie!" She exclaimed, scrambling out of the way. "I have never witnessed you ever getting ready this quickly before, and so early in the morning at that. You must be pretty eager to leave."

"That's not it, Aunt Mandy. And sorry. I just don't want to be late. I don't want Severus to be upset with me if I'm not ready," she replied hastily, not wanting to hurt Aunt Mandy's feelings. She wasn't sure why her aunt was so upset, and she had been making comments like this one for some time now. Valarie wasn't always sure how to respond sometimes...she couldn't help but feel guilty for being eager to go to Hogwarts.

Valarie went down her list, checking things off as she gathered her belongings. It wasn't much: clothes, necessities, sentimental items. She had packed everything valuable to her and put her luggage at the front door. Everything fit into her large canvas duffel bag and satchel. Valarie looked over her checklist again, making sure she didn't miss anything. Clothes, sketchbook, journal, Walkman, her stuffed tiger Biker Dan, a few books, and a picture of her mother and her when she was five, among other items. She wasn't sure what supplies she would need for Hogwarts, so she decided it was best to wait and ask Severus when he arrived. Mavis was perched on the sofa, giving Valarie a pleading, longing stare. She didn't want to leave without Mavis, and was worried Severus wouldn't let her come along. She would have to at least try to persuade him to agree when he got there.

"I'm sure that's everything..." Valarie said to herself, plopping down on the sofa with a huff.

In that moment, there was a knock at the apartment door.

"That must be him, Valarie. I'll get it," Aunt Mandy said as she exited the kitchen, walked over and opened the door.

The door creaked open, and there stood Severus dressed in a black suit that looked similar to the robes he wore last visit, his shiny black shoes, and carrying an attaché bag in one hand. He looked like a businessman on his way to work. Valarie couldn't picture Severus to be the type to have a desk job at a firm in any way, but there was no denying that he looked very sharp. Now that she thought of it, she had no idea what he did for a profession.

He did say before that the Headmaster of Hogwarts had him retrieve her, so he must be a teacher or staff member. Why now did she piece that together?

"Good morning, Severus. Come on in," Aunt Mandy said standing aside.

He merely nodded back, strolled into the living space and approached Valarie.

"I hope you have everything, Valarie?" He asked.

"Yes, I do sir, but I wanted to ask you if I could bring Mavis...if that isn't a problem for you?" The girl asked anxiously, worried about how he might react.

There was a long pause as Severus debated his reply, glancing between the black cat perched on the sofa and the pleading girl before him. Valarie could barely read his expression, but could see hints of sympathy in his dark eyes.

"Alright," he finally said, sighing. "But she is your responsibility. You are to take care of her, and I will provide food and supplies, that is all."

Valarie's eyes lit up with joy and gave a toothy grin. She heavily doubted that Severus would agree, what a surprise it was that he did!

"Thank you, I will. I promise!"

"Don't make me regret my decision," He warned half-heartedly. "Now, say your goodbyes with your Aunt, and we will be on our way. We haven't all day."

Valarie sprung up from the couch and raced over to her Aunt, who was lounging against the kitchen counter. Her smile dropped as she came up to her aunt. She looked so betrayed and solemn, but gave a forced smile nonetheless. She held out her arms and Valarie reluctantly embraced her.

"Valarie, dear. I will miss you so much," Aunt Mandy said, as she pulled back to look at her, squeezing the girl's small hands. "Please write as much as you can, and I'll will be waiting for your return."

"I will Aunt Mandy, and I'm sorry we have to leave each other this way. I will come back for a visit as soon as I can. Maybe Christmas?"

"Certainly!"

Valarie smiled lightly, making her way to the door, picking up Mavis in the process, while Severus shrunk her bags down so they could fit in his pocket. He opened the door and gestured her out.

"Goodbye Aunt Mandy!" Valarie called.

Her aunt simply waved back with a smile, and Valarie stepped out into the hallway.

Valarie and Severus made their way into the street, as people quickly weaved around them.

"Where are we going?" Valarie asked Severus.

"Diagon Alley is our destination. I have a few things to purchase before we go to my place, and I figured we could do some school shopping in the process." Severus replied leading her down the walkway.

"We can buy my supplies in London?" Valarie questioned.

"Of course, you need only know where to look."

"Which is Diagon Alley...I've never heard of this place."

"Well, that is why you have me to show you. It will have everything you need, and I have your list here as well," he pulled a letter out of his pocket. "Care to have a look?"

"Yes, please! I'd love to!" She said as she set down Mavis, took the letter and unfolded it. She quickly read aloud the list written in neat cursive writing as they made their way down the pavement. The black cat followed behind.

Uniform

First-year students would require:

Three sets of plain work robes (black).

One plain pointed hat (black) for day wear.

One pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar).

One winter cloak (black, silver fastenings).

Please note that all student's clothes should carry name tags at all times.

Books

The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 1 by Miranda Goshawk

A History of Magic by Bathilda Bagshot

Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling

A Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric Switch

One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi by Phyllida Spore

Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius Jigger

Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them by Newt Scamander

The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection by Quentin Trimble

Other Equipment

1 Wand

1 Cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)

1 set of glass or crystal phials

1 telescope

1 set of brass scales

Students may also bring an Owl OR a Cat OR a Toad.

PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS.

"There are so many items to purchase...how am I going to pay for all of this?" Valarie debated aloud. There was no chance she could afford everything, and didn't want to depend on Severus to cover it.

"That's not something someone your age should be concerned about." Severus replied. "Besides, your mother left a small inheritance for you to use when you were old enough. I shall pay for half of the cost and the other half we can take out of your vault."

"I have my own vault?" Valarie asked. "Aunt Mandy won't even let me have a savings account. She holds onto my money and gives me a little on special occasions."

Snape raised his eyebrow is response, and Valarie's cheeks went red from embarrassment.

"I-I mean I appreciate her letting me buy things, I'm not trying to be ungrateful...don't tell her I said that." Valarie said quickly.

"I understand, Valarie. Is this the money you earn on your own?" Severus questioned.

"Yes, but I know I'm not old enough to have a job, and she doesn't like that I'm at Mrs. Patterson's restaurant so much," Valarie replied.

"It's still your money to spend however you wish. She shouldn't be forcing you to spend or save it in a certain way." Severus said sternly. He appeared rather angry about it too, but Valarie wasn't sure what for. She didn't quite understand what Aunt Mandy was doing that was bad...she was just being a good parent.

"Oh...I didn't know that." Valarie finally said.

Severus sighed before turning his head to look at her.

"All of the money your mother left for you if for you only, and you can spend it however you like as long as you are responsible with it. I will never keep you from doing so, ever. Remember that," He said seriously. "I may have to talk with your aunt about this sometime, knowing she won't listen to you."

"No! Please, sir, we are already on bad terms as it is. That will only make it worse. It's not that bad, I understand why she doesn't trust me with it yet and that's okay."

"I don't think you do, Valarie," He replied. "She shouldn't be allowed to take your things regardless. You seem to be a very responsible person, you already have a paying job! If that doesn't tell me you are, then I don't know what doesn't."

"Okay, I understand...still, please don't tell her," she pleaded.

"Okay, I won't. But I'm not going to let her keep doing it if she continues," Severus said.

"Thank you, sir." She said with a sigh of relief.

"I also would prefer it if you didn't call me sir. You may call me Severus," He requested.

"Okay...Severus. Thank you."

"No need to thank me," Severus said before stopping in front of what appeared to be a pub. "Now, it looks like we are here. The Leaky Cauldron."

"Stopping by for a quick drink, aye? I'm not allowed in there...I'll have to wait outside with Mavis." Valarie said warily.

"Oh certainly not, Valarie." Severus said as he walked over to the door and opened it for her. "We are merely passing through. It's our way of getting to Diagon Alley. Now let's go."

Valarie reluctantly approached the entrance to the small, grubby looking pub and walked inside.

Inside was very dark and shabby, and a few people sat in corners talking, drinking, smoking from pipes. The scruffy-looking bartender stood behind the bar, fixing a man a beer. The low buzz of chatter stopped for a second as they walked in, and a few people nodded to Severus as they passed by and gradually went back to chatting. The bartender noticed them and reached for a glass.

"Care for a drink, sir?" He asked, glancing at the young girl beside Severus.

"I'm quite alright, Tom. Just passing through," he said as he gently placed his hand on Valarie's shoulder. Tom's attention went to Valarie as she gave him a nervous smile.

"Now, who's this you have with you?" The bartender asked curiously. A few heads turned in their direction.

"This is Valarie, my...new pupil." Severus said slowly. "Hogwarts business."

"Ah, I see. It's a pleasure to meet you, Valarie," the man greeted with a grin, a few of his teeth were missing. He had a strange glint in his eyes, like he knew her somehow.

"You too, sir," Valarie replied nervously, trying to keep eye contact. Aunt Mandy said it wasn't respectful to look down while greeting a stranger, and Valarie had a habit of doing it.

"You look just like her...didn't you know?" he whispered to her with a wink, and the hand on her shoulder tensed for a moment. Valarie immediately knew who he was speaking of and her eyes widened in shock, and curiosity.

"We should be going now, Tom." Severus said, sounding agitated. He strolled by, not looking back, and Valarie quickly followed suit, picking up Mavis in the process.

"Alright then. Come by again, Severus."

Valarie thought about asking Severus about what occurred, but he appeared as though he was bout to catch fire. She would ask another time.

Valarie followed Severus through the bar and out into a small, dingy courtyard surrounded by stone walls. He silently pulled out his wand while studying the back wall. Valarie immediately stood out of the way, knowing he was about to, once again, perform magic. Severus tapped the wall three times with the tip of his wand. She hugged her cat tightly and watched in amazement as the brick he touched vibrated. The bricks began repositioning, forming a hole as it grew bigger and bigger, until it formed a large archway onto a cobbled street beyond.

"Here we are, Valarie," Severus stated. "Diagon Alley."

The sun shone brightly, reflecting off of damp surfaces and puddles from a recent drizzle of rain. The nearest shop had stacks of cauldrons outside with a sign that read descriptions of the items inside. Her head rotated in every direction as they made their way down the cobbled street, taking in everything, the teetering, crooked shops, the strangely dressed people doing their shopping, signs in every direction labeling things she never heard of. Dragon liver, bat spleens, and eels' eyes were displayed in the windows. Books of all sizes, quills, parchment in the next display. Valarie clung to Severus's arm so that she wouldn't lose her way, while she looked in awe at the many things that she saw. It was never-ending...

Severus cleared his throat as they stopped, snapping Valarie out of her trance.

"Gringotts is just up ahead."

Valarie looked up to see that they reached a towering ivory building that made the shops look minuscule in comparison. Great bronze doors stood ahead with a small guard wearing a uniform of red and gold. He didn't look like anything she had ever seen, and Valarie gawked at his small figure, bald, dome-shaped head, and long, pointy nose and ears. His eyes were as black as coal as he stared back at her.

"That is a goblin," Severus said as they went up the stone steps and approached the giant doors.

The goblin bowed deeply as they entered Gringotts. They walked down a vast marble hall, with about a hundred more goblins sitting behind long counters, scribbling in ledgers and weighing and examining gems and coins. They approached one of the counters where a goblin was scribbling away on some parchment.

"Good afternoon," Severus said "We are here to make a withdrawal out of Ms. Valarie Rook's vault."

The goblin set down his quill to look down at the both of them.

"And does Ms. Rook have her key?" He asked raising one unruly eyebrow.

Severus pulled an elegant, silver key out of his blazer pocket and presented it to the goblin.

"Very well, I will have someone take you down to the vault."

He clapped his long fingered hands twice and another goblin appeared, leading Valarie and Severus out of the hallway through a door, and into a narrow passageway with railway tracks winding out of sight. They both got into a small cart sitting on the tracks and were whisked away. The cart seemed to know where to go, because the guide wasn't controlling it. Valarie hugged Mavis tightly as they plunged deep into the underground passageway. After several twists and turns they stopped at a small door labeled 829.

"Here we are. Vault 829," the goblin said as they exited the cart and approached the door.

Severus handed the goblin Valarie's key, and he unlocked the door, revealing a small pile of coins in the center of the vault, along with a few personal items scattered around.

"My mum gave me all of this?" Valarie asked in disbelief as they entered the vault.

"It isn't much, but it will last you a few years." Severus replied, his voice echoing off the stone walls. "She supposedly willed to have her valuables deposited at Gringotts when she passed. It's all yours, Valarie."

She just smiled up at Severus before walking over to the pile of coins on the floor. She grabbed a handful, inspecting them.

Snape picked a few out of her hands and placed them in his palm.

"This here is a Galleon, a Sickle, and a Knut," he said pointing to each one. "Seventeen sickles to a Galleon, twenty nine Knuts to a Sickle."

"Okay, I got it." Valarie said with a smile.

Severus grabbed some coins and put them into a bag, handing them to her.

"This'll be enough to last you a few terms."

"Thank you."

"Certainly. Now shall we leave?" He said, holding out his arm.

Valarie nodded, eagerly taking it as they left the vault.

After a twisty ride back to the surface and out of Gringotts, they finally stood outside in the sunlight facing Diagon Alley.

Valarie pulled the Hogwarts list out of her back pocket skimming it over.

"Okay, first on the list is my uniform," she says looking up at Severus.

He nods and led her down the street, Stopping at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. They enter to see a smiling witch dressed in fashionable mauve robes.

"Hello, dear. You here for Hogwarts?" She said kindly.

"Yes ma'am," Valarie replied simply.

"Let's get you fitted then." She said leading her to the back of the shop where there was a line of footstools, while Severus stayed behind with Mavis. Valarie sat in a stool while Madam Malkin began fit her into some robes. Time passed quickly as the two of them talked about miscellaneous topics, Valarie learning insightful things. The kind woman reminded her too much of Mrs. Patterson, and she felt immediately at ease in her presence.

Valarie payed, thanked Madam Malkin and left with her new robes. She stepped outside to see Severus waiting for her. He took her robes and shrunk them, putting them in his bag.

They stopped at a few other shops, marking off the list as they went. They bought books, Valarie buying a few extra for casual reading, parchment and quills, among many other things. They eventually reached the Apothecary and entered the shop. Inside was filled with various herbs, vials of strange liquids and powders, dried roots, and bundles of strange animal parts. Valarie breathed in lightly and scrunched up her nose. She shop smelled strange, but not awful. Like a mad scientist's lab. She was intrigued by it all, wondering what the various ingredients were used for.

Severus looked at her with amusement as she walked around the shop, picking up vials and touching snarled claws that hung from the ceiling. He approached her as she was stroking a large, vibrant feather and cleared his throat. Valarie jumped, realizing she was losing focus on the task at hand, and spun around to see Severus behind her. His lips twitched up slightly, noticeably holding back a smile.

"S-Sorry, I got a little side-tracked," Valarie stammered, reaching for her list.

"Never-mind the list. I'll help you find what you need."

"Really? There's a lot listed for potion supplies, I don't want to miss anything."

"Not to worry. I have it all memorized anyway," he stated, tapping his temple with his pointer finger. "Besides, not everything is listed how it should be. Damn Board of Governors. I'll show you what to get to make your life a little easier in the future."

Valarie nodded. "Okay."

Severus motioned Valarie to the potion kits and picked out an empty ingredients case made of dragon hide

"Instead of getting a kit like on the list, we will be putting extra ingredients in an empty case so that you have enough in case you make a mistake on a potion. It's unavoidable for a young potioneer like you to not get it right starting off."

They walked around the shop, silently scooping the correct ingredients into empty containers and neatly placing them into the kit.

"How do you know all of this?" Valarie asked out of curiosity.

"I'm the Potions Professor at Hogwarts, I apologize for not mentioning that to you earlier."

"Oh, that's okay! That's brilliant. That means you're going to teach me potions?" Valarie asked, smiling brightly.

"I will. And I sense you'll be a natural at potions, if you put adequate effort into it."

"I hope so...I'm not sure if I'll do very good. I hardly know anything about magic or potion making."

"Oh, I'm confident you will exceed at the skill. You have a talented potioneer to teach you everything you need to know. If you'd like, I can teach you a thing or two over the summer, before school begins."

"Really??" Valarie exclaimed. "That would be fantastic!"

"Yes, now don't get too worked up about it." Severus replied, putting a finger over his lips.

Valarie's cheeks went red from embarrassment as she looked around the shop to see if she disrupted anybody.

"Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You really need to get out of the habit of saying that so much." Snape said with a sigh.

"So- Yes, sir. Severus, I mean." She said sheepishly.

Severus gave a small chuckle.

They finished getting what they needed and payed at the counter before leaving.

They passed by a shop that had various birds, and owls outside hooting and calling. Valarie looked down at her list to see that she could bring a familiar with her. She supposed she already had Mavis, but it would be fun to have an owl. They delivered mail! She always wanted a bird for a pet. But wouldn't dare ask Aunt Mandy for one. She hardly liked having a cat in the apartment. She was probably glad to have it out of the house. She debated asking Severus to go inside, but instead looked from afar as they passed by.

Eventually, they made it to a small shop with a sign that read Ollivander's.

"This is where you'll be getting your wand, Valarie." Severus said from behind her.

She just stood staring at the door, being more nervous that ever. There were so many doubts racing through her mind, causing a spike of anxiety.

"You'll do great, Valarie. Don't worry." Severus reassured her as he put a hand on her shoulder.

She took a deep breath, and finally got the courage to step through the door. They walked up to the counter, where thousands of little boxes were stacked to the ceiling in the back. It was dark, and a little creepy, with all of the cobwebs and dust built up. The hardwood floor creaked under their feet. Severus rung the little bell on the counter, notifying the shopkeeper. The both of them picked out a wand holster and placed it on the counter for purchasing.

A few moments later, an old man with wild looking white hair and creepy light blue eyes walked up to the front.

"Good evening, Mr. Ollivander," Snape greeted politely.

"Ah, Severus Snape. Ebony, Triple core. 12 inches. Though not from my collection, a very powerful wand indeed. I hope it's has treated you well?" The strange man asked.

"Yes." Severus simply stated, his tone indicating that further conversation was unwanted.

"Ah, and this must be your young witch in the making." He said looking down at Valarie. She couldn't make the right words to say, opening and closing her mouth a few times before Severus stepped in.

"Yes. This is Valarie," he said smoothly.

"Very well. Let us see what wand chooses you. I can sense a great amount of passion in you, and talent...yes..." Mr. Ollivander trailed off for a second before racing to the back, and grabbing a wand out of one of the stacks before handing it to Valarie.

"Beech, unicorn hair core, 11 1/2 inches, brittle flexibility."

Valarie opened the box to see an ivory wand with a swirly, twisting design. She picked it up examining it.

"Well, give it a wave, won't you?" The old man offered.

She gave the wand a small flick with her wrist and a gust of wind blew out of the tip, right in Severus's face. He sputtered and scrunched his face, lowered the wand out of the way. Valarie went red in the face and quickly put the wand back.

"Sorry Severus..." she said sheepishly.

He made an annoyed sound and backed up a bit. "Point your wand out of the way next time, will you? You could have took out someone's eye."

"Okay, sorry."

Ollivander had already returned with a new wand and gave it to Valarie.

"Here we are...apple, dragon heartstring, 10 inches, supple flexibility."

Valarie pointed the wand out of the way this time, and waved it around. The wand flew out of her hand and on the floor, spurting water like a sprinkler, before stopping. Mavis hissed in annoyance, scurrying out of the way of the stream. Valarie stood there damp from the water, and eventually picked it up and put it back in the box.

"Nope, certainly not that one." Mr Ollivander said before going to get yet another wand.

He disappeared out of sight, and Valarie debated whether he would return. She felt so hopeless. What if no wand suited her?

"Don't worry, Valarie. It usually takes a few tries for everyone. This isn't unusual." Severus reassured her.

"Okay..."

"Ah! Here we are! Ebony, unicorn hair, 11 inches, slightly springy..." Mr. Ollivander exclaimed, speeding to the front holding a dark purple box. "Now this wand...ebony. The wood came from the same branch as Severus' wand, given to me by another wandmaker. I wouldn't be surprised if it chooses you, Valarie. You both are more similar that you might think."

He opened the box to reveal a slender black wand, with small vine like engravings at the handle. It was elegant and smooth, and felt right in Valarie's hand when she took it. She looked up at Severus and he raised an intrigued eyebrow in return, nodding at her to try it.

She raised the wand and it immediately made a soothing ring, before emitting a cool glow from the tip. Valarie stared in awe as the curly strands around her face began to float, as if she was submerged under water. After a moment the wand went back to its original stated and she lowered the wand.

"Very curious indeed...I would have to say that wand took a great liking to you, Ms. Rook," The man said in wistful glee. "I would expect you to have immense potential in possession of that wand. I've never witnessed a more perfect match."

"Thank you, sir. I'm very grateful to finally have a wand." Valarie said before putting her wand in her holster.

Severus appeared to have a proud look on his face as they exited the shop. Valarie never felt more complete with her new wand in hand, and closer to Severus in a way. She smiled to herself as they made their way down the street and exited Diagon Alley. They stopped outside of The Leaky Cauldron looking out at the busy streets of London. It was getting dark, as the streetlights were lit up to illuminate the street. She was going to miss her hometown, remembering all of the happy memories of her at Mrs. Patterson's restaurant, or in her room looking out at the city life.

"You ready to go, Valarie?" Severus asked.

"Oh, yes I am...ready to go. Let's go!" She said hastily. "Where do you live anyway?"

"A large town by the name of Cokeworth, about a hundred miles or so north of here. It's quickest to use Apparition to there."

"What is Apparition? A form of magical transportation I'm guessing?"

"Indeed. It functions in a way where the user focuses on a desired location in their mind and travels instantly from one location to the other without traversing the space in-between."

"So it's kind of like teleporting." Valarie said after formulating the description in her mind.

"In a simpler sense, yes. It's a very advanced ability for wizards to master, and disastrous if not done correctly. I don't expect you to learn this skill for a long time. I shall do it for you in the meantime. Now hold on to my arm tightly and do not let go. Understood?"

"Yes, sir. I mean Severus." Valarie said before wrapping her arms around his upper arm tightly.

"Be prepared, the sensation is very uncomfortable. You'll get used to it after some time."

Valarie squeezed even tighter in response and anticipated what was to come next.

Suddenly she heard a loud popping noise, and the next thing she knew, everything went black. Valarie squeezed her eyes shut as she was was pressed very hard from all directions, finding it hard to breathe. Her body was being squished and stretched and twisted around, as she held on to Severus' arm as tight as she could, before being thrown hard to the ground below her. It was all over as quickly as it came and she slowly opened her eyes to see that she was standing on damp pavement.

"Ahem.." severus cleared his throat and Valarie suddenly realized she was gripping him like a vice. She immediately let go and smoothed out her clothes. She felt sick, and dizzy, trying to move her legs, but instead lost her balance. Severus steadied her before she could fall.

"You weren't joking about Apparition being uncomfortable. I don't think I'll ever get used to that. That was terrible." She said, but it came out more like a wheeze.

"Although I never quite got used to the feeling, it does become more tolerable." Severus replied somewhat optimistically. "Besides, we are finally here. Spinner's End, quite the Muggle dung hill in all honesty."

Valarie looked around to see that they were in a dimly lit street looking across at the rows and rows of deserted, old brick houses, their windows dull and blind in the darkness. The street lamps were broken and few of them lit up, if only barely. Nearby was an old abandoned mill with a tall brick chimney and a murky river surrounded by reeds.

"You probably aren't too impressed, there's not much to look at."

Despite her surroundings, Valarie somehow felt at ease. The air was misty and damp, and the night sky was brightly lit by stars. She could hear an owl hooting in the distance along with a few crickets chirping lightly. It was nothing like the loud, busy street where her aunt's apartment was located, where here it was quiet and peaceful, without a single person in sight.

"I quite like it, actually," Valarie replied, smiling up at Severus. "It's very peaceful here, nothing like London."

"I suppose so. We should go inside. It's very cold outside, and your aunt wouldn't be impressed if I got you sick the first week of your stay."

He led her across the street to one of the houses ahead, and opened the door for her. Valarie walked inside, with Mavis trailing behind.

She had stepped directly into a tiny sitting room, the walls were completely covered in books, most of them bound in old black or brown leather. There was small sofa where a few pillows and an old wool blanket resided, an old armchair and a table grouped together in a pool of dim light cast by a candle-filled lamp hung from the ceiling. The place felt cozy and well lived in, although a little neglected, as if people rarely visited.

"It's not much, but I hope you'll feel a little at home. I cleaned up a bit and added some pillows and blankets at least." Severus said lowly. "I'll lead you to your room. Follow me."

He walked to the end of the room, and opened a hidden door set inter the wall of books, revealing a narrow staircase ascending to the floor above. Valarie followed him up to a hallway that had three doors.

"This is your room." He said, opening the door in the middle, beckoning me to go ahead of him.

He put Valaries luggage, now at normal size, at the door while Valarie examined her new room.

The room was small, but heavily furnished and lit with candles, making it feel cozy. The walls were an earthy brown color, with a cushioned window-nook at the back wall facing the street outside. It had billowing emerald green drapes pulled back at the sides that could be pulled shut for privacy. A small canopy bed stood on the left side of the room covered in a bedspread that matched the curtains. The opposite wall had a bookshelf packed with worn books and used notebooks, a small wardrobe and desk included with parchment, quill and ink. Books were stacked neatly throughout the room, mimicking the living room downstairs. What caught Valarie's attention was the note-filled parchment pinned up around the room, as if someone was putting their ideas up where they could see.

"This was my bedroom." Severus said. "It's almost exactly how I had it before I left home. Of course, I did add new bedding and some furniture. It was more desolate than how you're seeing it now. And I brought out my old books from when I was in school. Father wouldn't allow them in the house, so I had to hide my things where he wouldn't find them back then."

"You haven't spoken about your family before. Your father doesn't sound like a nice man."

"He wasn't." Severus said in a tone that indicated he wasn't too open about the topic. Valarie thought it wise to not dig deeper.

There was an awkward silence before Severus spoke up again.

"You're probably hungry, would you like something to eat before bed?"

Valarie realized that she hadn't eaten all day, except for the cream cheese bagel from earlier that morning. She was suddenly really hungry.

"Yes, please."

They went back downstairs before going through another door leading off of the living room to the right of the stairs. It was a small kitchen with a round table at the back where a small window faced the back of the house.

"You can sit down if you'd like. It won't take long." Severus said motioning for the table.

Valarie sat down and proceeded to watch Severus pull some ingredients out of the storage room just off of the kitchen.

A thought popped in her head as she watched him cook. "Is this what it's like to have a father?" But she shook the thought away as quickly as it came. He might be her biological father, but she still couldn't picture him actually being her father. He was her professor. Her mentor. Nothing else.

"I could make breakfast as a late night meal. It's the fastest" he said as he brought some eggs, and some bread out and set them on the counter. "How about some crumpet? I made some earlier this morning. I only need to fry an egg and it'll be ready."

"Really? That's one of my favorites. Mrs. Patterson would make some for me during tea time, though I've never had them with eggs before." Valarie said. "I can help if you'd like me to."

"That's okay. It won't take long," he insisted.

Severus cracked an egg in the pan on the stove, leaving it to cook. He then brought the spongy bread out on a plate and used a spell with his wand that, by the noticeable steam coming off of them, warmed them up. He then slathered butter over the crumpet and added the fried egg on top, garnishing with some freshly chopped parsley. By the end of it, Valarie was practically drooling from the smell that filled the kitchen. It reminded her of her mother's cooking, which she hadn't had for years.

"Here you are." He said, serving the food to Valarie. "Would you like some tea with that?"

"Yes please. It smells delicious by the way."

"Eat up. Your tea will be ready in a moment."

He began to heat up some water in a kettle and got some chamomile tea out of the cupboard and let it steep in the pot for a few minutes before pouring a cup and handing it to Valarie. By then she had already scarfed all of her food down, and began sipping out of the cup.

"You didn't leave a single crumb." Snape said with a small smile while taking her dishes to the sink. "At least I know food won't be left untouched with you here."

"Thanks for the food. It's way better than Aunt Mandy's." Valarie said with a yawn before finishing the last of her tea.

"No problem. I think it's time for you to go upstairs for bed. I expect you remember where your room is?"

"Yes, I do."

"Alright then, I'll meet you up there."

Valarie handed Severus her cup and went upstairs to her room.

She opened the door to see that Mavis already found her spot on the bed, sleeping soundly. Valarie began unpacking her things, putting them in the correct spots. She didn't have enough room in the bookshelf to put her new books, and opted to stack them at her desk. She picked out some pajamas - which were just an oversized t-shirt and some shorts - and went over to the window, sitting in her nook. She looked up at the starry night sky, never seeing it so vividly before. In London, it was rare to see even a few stars above due to the brightly lit buildings and street lighting. It was breathtaking.

Then Valarie heard a knock on the door.

"Yes?" She called, inviting Severus in.

"I trust you're ready for bed?" He said closing the door behind him.

"I am."

"It doesn't appear so. You're not under the covers."

Valarie walked over to her bed and went under the covers, snuggling close to Mavis.

"That's better." Severus said before extinguishing the candles with a flick of his wand.

"I'll never get used to seeing you do magic. It's mind boggling." Valarie whispered.

"You'll eventually be able to do magic as well, and you'll come to realize that you will." He said before opening the door, the brightness from the hallway casting light on silhouette of his person.

"Thank you, Severus, sir." Valarie said softly. "Today was the best."

"It was nothing." He replied. "Besides, you weren't as intolerable as I expected you to be."

"Goodnight."

Severus just nodded with a small smile before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

Valarie knew there was something good in Severus Snape after all.