Knowledge Is Power

Miriam busied herself with spreading blackberry jam across her slice of toast. There was a lot on the young witch's mind. After the sorting and feast last night, the Head Girl, Violet Wilson, caught up with Miriam. She personally showed Miriam the way to their common room, and where to find the fortnightly password changes.

The Slytherin common room was large, opulent, and ornate. The stone walls were carved and covered with tapestries, and the wood accents dark. Low backed leather couches and study tables were scattered throughout the large space; the focal point of the room was a giant fireplace and stone mantel with a snake carved into it. Wool rugs covered most of the stone floor, and there were curious decorative bits artfully displayed; a few potted ferns, vases with flowers, and even the skeleton of a cat.

Miriam noticed there was a harpsichord in one alcove, and she resolved to play it before the end of the week. Silver lanterns hung from the tall ceiling, yet the light in the room was a subtle shade of green. At the end of the long room, past a large round study table, was a wall of floor to ceiling windows that looked into the Black Lake. Miriam was rather disquieted when Violet told her their common room was under the lake, but Miriam had to admit the view was spectacular.

There was a grand staircase that split off to the respective dormitories. On the landing, there was another alcove that held a large statue of Salazar Slytherin holding a sword and a skull, with several groupings of candles around its base for light. Directly overhead was a large stained-glass dome; if one stood there long enough, they could see the lake's inhabitants swim overhead.

Miriam's room in the girls' dormitory was shared with Violet and two other girls. Her bed was a dark walnut four poster with green silk curtains. More rugs, ornate carvings, and tapestries decorated the walls, and a large stove in the center of the room provided heat. The first thing Miriam unpacked was her parchment, and she sent off a quick letter to Mr. Moore. As Miriam and her roommates unpacked their trunks, they became acquainted with one another. When they finally went to bed after talking far too long, Miriam snuggled under her green eiderdown comforter and decided she liked her accommodations just fine.

Shortly, she would attend her first class—Charms. Miriam took a bite of her toast and stabbed some fruit with her fork as she made herself eat, despite her nervous stomach. Miriam stifled a yawn behind her small hand. She wished there was coffee; pumpkin juice wasn't her favorite, but Miriam would make do. A fluttering of wings overhead made Miriam pause and look up. Owl after owl flew into the Great Hall, loaded with their letters and packages. Miriam stared in awe at their numbers as one flew down and landed gracefully next to her. The owl dropped the letter it held in its beak next to Miriam's plate and hooted at her. Miriam smiled and took a grape from her bowl and sat it on the table as her offering of thanks. The owl snatched it up and Miriam watched in amusement as it flew away.

Miriam picked up the letter and immediately recognized Mr. Moore's seal. With a smile, she broke the wax and opened her letter. As she read his words, her heart felt lighter. Calmer, Miriam continued to eat; she paused only briefly when Violet stopped by for a quick chat. When Violet left, Miriam glanced at her watch and realized she needed to leave now if she wanted to be on time.

Quickly, Miriam stacked her silverware, napkin and dishes. There was no need to make extra work for the elves. She hurriedly stuffed her things into her black leather backpack, and headed out of the Great Hall. Miriam tried to recall where Professor McGonagall said room 2E was, but she stopped short. The witch pulled her backpack off her shoulder and began to rummage through it; did she remember to grab Mr. Moore's letter? Miriam didn't see it. Aggravated at herself, Miriam spun around to head back to the table, still rummaging in her bag as she walked.

Suddenly, the large door of the Great Hall opened, and a student rushed through it. Miriam didn't see what was in front of her before it was too late. The two collided hard. As their heads knocked together, Miriam let out a strangled noise of surprise, and all of their belongings fell to the floor.

Miriam looked at the person she ran into as she felt her cheeks burn. It was a fellow Slytherin. He was tall—and very thin—with long arms and legs. His black hair brushed the tops of his shoulders, and he scowled at Miriam as he rubbed his forehead.

"I am so sorry," Miriam said as they both looked at the ground and their mess of schoolbooks. They both bent over at the same time to pick everything up, and Miriam felt their heads collide again. "Ow!" Miriam exclaimed, and then she froze. Did he just growl at her?

Severus indeed growled in annoyance at the witch after she ran into him the second time. He almost snapped at her, and then Severus noticed how red her face was with embarrassment. She looked at him with uncertainty, and she fidgeted like she wished the floor would just swallow her alive.

He'd been there before, and her embarrassment made him uncomfortable. Severus remembered how he felt his first year, and how grateful he was for the kindness Lucius showed him. Throughout their time at school, Lucius impressed upon him the weight of first impressions, and how fellow Slytherins needed to look after one another. He knew that as her house-mate, Severus should cut her some slack. So, with effort, he swallowed his annoyance. The witch made a move, and Severus abruptly stopped her with his hand. He sat back on his heels, and used his wand to gather their things into piles.

Miriam stood there awkwardly as this poor boy she accosted twice in one go gathered their things. She noticed Mr. Moore's letter in the pile, and Miriam silently berated herself for not seeing it earlier. If she had, this never would have happened.

"Thank you," Miriam said quietly as she accepted her things. "Again, I am so sorry," she added.

"It's fine," Severus said tightly. He saw her hesitation and the slight roll of her eyes that told him she didn't believe his words. She cinched her backpack closed, and slung it over her shoulder. Severus offered his hand.

"I'm Severus Snape," the tall wizard said.

Miriam grasped his offered hand and gave it a firm squeeze. "I'm Miriam Magowan,"

Severus nodded slightly and released her hand. "Do you know where you're going?" he asked.

"Room 2E," Miriam replied. She hesitated, then added, "Wherever that is."

"Charms, which is where I'm going as well," Severus answered. He inclined his head, and started to walk.

Miriam followed Severus as the other students moved around them. She noticed a few odd glances, but had no idea if it was her, Severus, or the two of them combined that caused them. Miriam dismissed them from her mind as she focused on following Severus; it would not do to be late to her first class on her first day.

"What school did you transfer from?" Severus asked.

"Beauxbatons," Miriam replied quietly.

Severus raised an inky eyebrow at the effortless accent and inflection Miriam placed on the word. "Really?" he drawled. "Does your family live in France?"

"No," Miriam told him as she shook her head.

Severus noticed how her curls bounced when she did that, and he found it mildly amusing. They were very defined and springy; it was a stark contrast to his flat and lank hair. Miriam's mass of curls seemed to have a life of its own. She was like a modern-day Medusa, Severus thought. He pursed his lips together to keep from laughing, seeing as the Hat placed her in Slytherin.

"My family is actually from Monmouthshire. It's complicated," Miriam added when she saw the strange look on Severus' face.

"Family usually is," Severus said blithely.

Miriam looked at the wizard walking beside her. As she studied his features, Miriam got the distinct impression she knew him from somewhere.

Severus could feel the witch staring at him. "Is something wrong?" he asked coldly as he shot her a glance.

Again, Miriam blushed slightly. "No, sorry. I just… I feel as though I know you from somewhere, and I can't put my finger on it."

"That's strange."

"I know." Miriam shook her head. "It'll come to me, eventually. Probably at three in the morning when I can't sleep," Miriam said more to herself than Severus.

When they arrived at the classroom, Severus and Miriam parted ways. Violet motioned her over, and Severus went to sit next to Avery. Professor Flitwick walked to the front of the room, and Miriam's eyes widened in surprise. She did not expect him to be so short. Miriam watched, amused, as Flitwick climbed on top of a stack of books so they could see him better.

As the lesson started, Severus pulled out some parchment and a pencil. He grabbed his Charms book, and he noticed a letter stuck to the back of it. Curious, he pried the wax seal off his book, flipped the letter over, and read Miriam's name on the front. Severus stole a glance at Miriam; her eyes were either glued to Flitwick or the notes she jotted down as he lectured. Surreptitiously, Severus opened his book, and opened the letter inside the book to read it.

Dearest Miriam,

We were elated to receive your letter last night. Congratulations on being sorted into Slytherin! The Hat made a wise choice—after all—Slytherin holds many characteristics of your old house, Ombrelune. Slytherin will help you on your way to achieving your dreams, I'm sure of it.

I am pleased that you have already made acquaintances with the Head Girl. Remember, it is expected of you to need some help the first week or two, so ask (even though I know you won't want to!).

We all miss you terribly, especially Millie. The house is quieter without you, but we know you are where you must be. Enjoy your first class with Professor McGonagall—we can't wait to read all about it in your next letter.

Love from us all,

The Moore's

Severus frowned slightly and folded the letter before placing it in his Transfiguration textbook. He looked again at Miriam. He found it interesting the person writing congratulated her on sorting into Slytherin—most people actively avoided their house, but it seems her old house held similar values. Severus wished he knew more about Beauxbatons; it was a very secretive school, and unplottable to even wizards who weren't alumni. Severus was also stuck on the signature; why did Miriam have a different last name from those she lived with? Here he was, hoping the letter held answers, but instead he now had more questions.

/-/-/-/

Miriam sat down for lunch in much better spirits that breakfast. Her first two classes were in the books, and Miriam was riding a high. She loved Transfiguration; in fact, she wanted to speak with Professor McGonagall after class about becoming an animagus, but didn't feel she knew her well enough quite yet. Severus happened to sit across from her, and as Miriam ate her chicken salad, she occasionally snuck glances at him.

It vexed her that she felt as though she'd seen him before. Miriam prided herself on remembering names and faces; it was a strong skill of hers that served her well over the years. It wasn't like Severus had a nondescript face, either. His features were very distinct, and the angles of his face sharp, but it was his eyes that gave Miriam pause. They were so dark and deep it was unsettling, and his natural expression seemed to be one of a melancholy older person. Miriam guessed he'd been through some things in his short life. She decided to table it for now, and pulled out a book from her backpack.

Severus looked around the Great Hall between bites of food and his eyes settled on Miriam. She was engrossed in the book in front of her, and she randomly ate as she read. "What are you reading?" Severus asked.

Miriam looked up from her book at the question. "The Lord of the Rings," Miriam answered as she placed the book's ribbon between the pages to mark her place. "Though this is probably my third read through," Miriam admitted sheepishly.

Severus looked at the book, then at Miriam. "It's a good book."

Miriam smiled. "Have you read his The Adventures of Tom Bombadil?" Miriam asked. It wasn't everyday she ran into a fellow reader of Tolkien.

"I have not," Severus answered. "If you enjoy Tolkien, you should read The Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander next."

"I'll look into that; thank you for the suggestion."

Severus nodded. "Also, congratulations on earning house points from McGonagall today," he said.

Miriam blushed slightly. "I'm sure she was just being nice," Miriam deflected.

"No," Severus said as he shook his head. "She doesn't do that, especially for us Slytherins. Your answers must have impressed her," Severus replied.

"Oh," Miriam said quietly, unsure how to take Severus' words.

The pair lapsed into silence as they ate. Eventually, Severus reached over and pulled something out of his transfiguration book. "I believe this is yours," Severus told Miriam.

Miriam immediately recognized her letter; it must have mixed in with Severus' things. She took the envelope from his extended hand and eyed him shrewdly. "Do you have any questions for me the letter didn't answer?" Miriam asked him.

Severus swallowed his food and looked at Miriam. "What makes you think I read it?" he asked evasively.

"Because if the roles were reversed, I would have read it," Miriam said candidly as she put the letter in her backpack. She turned back to Severus and looked at him expectantly.

Severus smirked. "You're right, I did read it," he admitted. "Though I don't exactly know you well enough to ask a bunch of questions."

Miriam looked at him oddly. "Yet you felt you knew me well enough to read my mail? Please, make that make sense."

"Touché," Severus shot back. Severus sighed and sat a little straighter. "Alright, I'm surprised the writer congratulated you on sorting into Slytherin."

"Mr. Moore did have a point, Slytherin shares similar traits with Ombrelune," Miriam answered as she took a bite.

"Well, that I wouldn't know. Beauxbatons is secretive even as wizarding schools go," Severus said. He looked at Miriam for a minute. "Do you miss it?"

Miriam was silent, and for a moment she looked sad. "I do," she admitted. "Big things of course-like my old friends and professors, but even little things like having coffee with breakfast, or vichyssoise for lunch."

"I don't even know what that is," Severus said flatly.

Miriam smiled. "It's a leek and potato soup, but it's served cold."

"That sounds gross," Severus blurted out, then caught himself. "That was rude, I apologize."

Miriam genuinely laughed at Severus' reaction. "That's okay, it is an acquired taste. I suggest you try it if given the chance. If you think cold soup is gross, you'd probably dread the days we had confit de canard, which was duck cooked in duck fat." Severus wrinkled his large nose in distaste. "Is there anything else?" Miriam asked. She knew what was coming.

The wizard had many more questions he wanted to ask, but he also wondered why Miriam was entertaining him like this. Bugger it, Severus decided as he leaned forward slightly. He was going to run with an assumption and see if he was right. "Why are you living with people you're not related to?"

"And there it is," Miriam said, satisfaction evident in her voice. "I applaud you, Severus, for making polite small talk rather than going for my throat at first go."

Undeterred by her words, Severus held her gaze. "If you're offended, you don't have to answer."

Miriam shook her head. "I'm not offended. I apologize if my words sounded rougher than I intended." Miriam was silent as she thought about what to say. "I don't live with my parents, anymore, for valid reasons. Mr. Moore is my guardian, and he moved me to Hogwarts because he wanted me close." Severus slowly nodded his head but didn't say anything else, evidently satisfied with her answer. "What of you, Severus Snape, and your lineage?" Miriam asked cheekily.

Severus frowned deeply and looked at her across the table.

Miriam shrugged. "What's good for the goose is good for the gander, Severus. Though, if you're offended you don't have to answer," she added with a smirk.

She had wit, Severus thought as he stared hard at Miriam; if he was honest, this was the most fun conversation he'd had in a long while. It wasn't easy, finding someone to banter with. People either missed his sarcasm completely, or they became offended because he was 'mean'; Miriam, however, easily went toe-to-toe with him.

Severus debated his answer for a few moments. "My mum's a witch, my father is an asshole. I live with them only when I absolutely have to," Severus said.

"Well then," Miriam said lightly, "it seems we have something in common." She picked up her fork. "Maybe we should start an asshole father's club," Miriam said glibly before she took another bite.

Severus smirked at Miriam's joke and shook his head. He absently brushed his hands through his hair and pulled it into a ponytail and off his neck for a moment. Severus sighed as he felt the cool air touch his skin. He'd forgotten how warm his uniform, robes, and hair could be.

Miriam watched Severus and her eyes widened. Suddenly, it clicked for Miriam where she knew Severus from. She dropped her fork and snapped her fingers before pointing at him.

Severus sat back slightly and looked oddly at Miriam.

The witch held up a finger as she quickly chewed and swallowed her food. "The Blue Heron! That's where I know you from!"

Severus studied Miriam's face as he tried to place her amongst all the customers he saw over the summer.

"I was the one who asked after and bought the unicorn horn," Miriam reminded Severus.

Severus' eyes widened as he remembered the witch in the purple dress. "That was you?" Severus asked incredulously.

Miriam nodded. "You seem surprised," she mused.

"Well, you look very different in your uniform," Severus said. "And your hair is…"

"Crazy?" Miriam offered. Severus shook his head no, and took a drink of water. Miriam rolled her eyes. "You have my grandmother to thank for the all the fanciness you saw that day. She's of the notion that when one is seen in public, they are seen. I'm not allowed out of the house without looking the part of a proper witch," Miriam said as she smiled.

"Oh," Severus said simply. "Where did your accent go?"

Miriam laughed lightly. "Good question. I spend all year speaking French at school, so it takes a bit for me to lose that accent over the summer. Then, my English comes out," Miriam added ruefully.

Severus nodded. "An even better question is how did your Draught of Peace turn out?"

Miriam leaned back a bit on the bench, impressed. "I can't believe you remembered! It went alright. I drank it and didn't die, but there is room for improvement," Miriam said honestly.

"Not dying is a pretty low bar," Severus quipped. He stood and began to gather his things. "We should go, the walk to the greenhouses can take a bit," Severus told Miriam. Miriam nodded and began to collect her belongings. "Do you know where the greenhouses are?"

"No," Miriam admitted. "Do you mind if I walk with you?"

"I don't mind," Severus answered honestly. This morning, he only showed her the Charms classroom out of a sense of obligation. Now, he actually wanted to talk to Miriam because she was interesting.

As they walked, Miriam looked around her and tried to learn her surroundings. "You know, I'd like to talk to you some evening about your apprenticeship, if you're agreeable," Miriam said to Severus as she glanced at the portraits on the walls.

"Why would you want to know about that?" Severus asked curiously. None of his mates asked about his apprenticeship, but to be fair, Severus never volunteered the information either. Hell, even Lily didn't ask him about it.

"I know at some point I will need to take one on, since I plan to continue my education after Hogwarts," Miriam said as they stepped around a lagging group of students. "I'm curious. Plus, I imagine it's rather fascinating. I mean, potions in and of itself is a fascinating art," Miriam added. "Besides, I'm always up for acquiring more knowledge."

"Well, I don't mind talking about my apprenticeship with you. I just assumed you'd find it boring," Severus admitted. "I'm surprised you weren't sorted into Ravenclaw, what with your thirst for knowledge," Severus joked.

"Knowledge is power, Severus."

Severus glanced at the witch walking beside him; her face wore a serious expression. "You're right, it is; but you're missing a step, I'm afraid. One must also apply their knowledge correctly to truly be powerful." They reached the greenhouses, and Severus opened the door. He gestured Miriam ahead of him.

"I guess it's a good thing I sorted into Slytherin, then," Miriam teased as she walked past Severus.

"Slytherin will help you on your way to greatness!" Severus declared in his best Sorting Hat impression as he followed Miriam.

"There's no doubt about that!" they finished together. Laughing, the pair walked to Herbology.

/-/-/-/-

A/N: Thanks for reading!