I walked into the dungeon classroom, greeted by stares as I stood at the front of the classroom instead of taking a seat. Sarah looked at me, confused from the back of the room. I waved her off, assuredly.
Snape stares the class down as usual.
"Today you will be making Draught of Living Death. If you need any assistance please notify myself or my assistant. This is a highly dangerous potion and as much as I would love to see less faces in this classroom, I do not wish for any accidental poisonings. Begin." He started pacing the room as he always did. Sarah and Penny waved me over to them.
"What the hell are you doing? You didn't tell me you were going to be Snape's assistant? That's bloody mad!"
I smiled.
"I think I'm going to like it. I love potions."
"Yes but do you love yourself? look who you're stuck with." She motioned to Snape as he angrily was chastising a Hufflepuff boy. The boy started to cry.
"Oh he's not that bad." I shrugged.
"Not to mention this is totally social suicide, Stasia. Snape is a fucking nightmare. You're lucky you're so damn pretty and you're Dumbledore's niece or I wouldn't have even bothered helping you out and talking to you if i'd known you were going to pull this stunt." Her comment made me angry.
"You don't know me, Sarah, I don't give a fuck what you or anyone student at this damn school thinks of me. You don't know Snape either. You are nothing. You always will be. A big fish in a little pond. What can you do for my future? Nothing. That's right. So judge away. I'm warning you not to cross me, Sarah. Things were different at Ilvermorny, and you'll soon learn how things are here." I was leaning over her desk, staring her in the eye, inches from her face. I became aware that the room was watching my intimidation, including Snape. Sarah was one of the most popular witches in my year and she needed her ego set straight.
A few Gryffindors started clapping, then soon a few Ravenclaws joined, followed by Slytherins and Hufflepuffs until the entire room was cheering.
"Sit. Down." Snape glared at the class and they obeyed.
He made eye contact with me. I understood and let him into my head.
His deep smooth voice echoed.
We will discuss this after class.
Sorry, sir.
No need to apologize.
I sighed.
"Ten points from every house for that disruption. And twenty from Slytherin." I heard the class groan in unison.
He paused and thought a moment.
"Thirty points to Slytherin for Anastasia's perfect execution of liquid luck yesterday."
The Slytherins cheered.
You are the best.
He looked startled and shot a wary glance at me.
Hardly.
Class ended and I stayed back. A few Slytherins and students from other houses smiled at me.
Sarah shot daggers in my direction with her eyes, but paused in front of me before she left.
"I underestimated you, Dumbledore. I won't next time. Are we good?" She extended her hand towards me.
I smirked.
"It's not going to be that easy. I know what you've been saying. I know everything." She looked shocked.
"Stasia....I'm sorry...."
"Sorry doesn't cut it." I was seething.
"P-p-please..."
She apologized and you know she won't do it again, look at her, she's scared of you.
I heard Snape in my head.
I sighed.
"I forgive you. Don't let it happen again. We are good, Sarah."
Her expression of fear melted away  and she pulled me into a hug. I stiffened.
Proud of you.
I heard him chuckle in my head.
I'm not a hugger. I explained.
You don't say? He retorted.
"Thank you. You won't regret giving me this second chance, Stasia. See you later."
I nodded to her as she sashayed away.
I wondered why the hell Snape had cared at all to interfere. I was soon left alone in the classroom. I heard Snape come out of the storage closet.
"I have been in contact with Thornwood. He is very proud of you. He sent you this." Snape had reappeared and held out a small ornate box with a letter attached. I smiled and placed it in my robe pocket to open later.
"Thank you, Sir."
"He expressed to be how lucky I was to have you as an assistant and sang the praises of your character. He also expresses his condolences for your parents and Jack, I'm assuming he was your brother?"
"Boyfriend. He was my boyfriend."
Snape's eyes widened.
"I'm....so sorry."
I chewed my lip.
Snape looked incredibly sad.
"Hey, it's okay. I'm fine. Look. I'm holding up." I placed a hand on his arm and he jumped at the unexpected contact.
"Dumbledore said everything happens for a reason. There's no use in moping about. I have to keep moving forward. Besides, if I stop swimming I'll get eaten alive here."
Snape smiled.
"You seem to be managing better than you're aware. Check your pocket."
I pulled out a note and blushed.
Hogsmeade? Saturday. Meet me in the common room after breakfast that day if you want to come.
T.G.
"Who is T.G.?"
"The Gryffindor seeker. I'm sure our Mr. Hexwell won't like that."
He examined the amused expression on my face.
"I'm flattered, but no."
Snape raised an eyebrow.
"Too juvenile. Besides, I watched him try to brew liquid luck yesterday, did you see that mess?"
"I did. I had no clue your romantic interest had to have a talent for potions." He smirked, making me nervous.
I rarely got nervous, but he seemed to bring that out in me when he wanted to.
"They don't....I just...no." I laughed and he chuckled.
He smiled. It looked good on him. I thought he should smile more.
"They're just so...." I trailed off looking for the word.
"Immature? Obnoxious?" He asked.
"YESSSSS both." I pointed at him and laughed a little harder.
He smiled at me.
"They don't even know me. How do they know they like me? They don't know the first thing about me." I let my smile turn to a frown. Snape furrowed his brow.
"I suppose they're just basing their judgement off your appearance..."
I laughed.
"What's funny?"
"I don't exactly keep up with the fashion. Look at this hair." I pulled the wand I was using to pin up my wild hair and let my long waves fall.
"What's wrong with it? I like it. It suits you."
"You do?" I raised an eyebrow.
"It's very...You."
"I guess that's a compliment. I still think you're just trying to make me feel better. You don't have to take it easy on me, you know. I can handle myself, Professor."
I placed my hands on my hips, tucking the second wand into my waistband.
"I'm not taking it easy on you. You've exceeded my expectations, that's all. I'll be owling Thornwood and telling him this later."
I chewed my lip.
"Well thank you, I know I'm not my usual chipper self, but I'm trying."
"You? Chipper? I'd like to see that."
I stuck my tongue out playfully. He laughed.
"I thought I heard laughter, but I had to come see it for myself..." McGonagall strode into the room.
"Minerva." His expression turned cold again.
"Severus, I see you've discovered our new rising star. I'm pleased to see you two getting along, I was worried, but Albus seemed confident you two would hit it off."
"Why on earth wouldn't we? She's the most gifted potions student I've ever encountered." Severus narrowed his eyes.
McGonagall turned to me.
"How are you managing? Do you need anything?" I knew what she meant. She didn't know Snape knew about my situation and I got the feeling I shouldn't let her know he knew.
"I'm doing better, I really like it here."
She smiled and placed a hand on my shoulder.
"I'm glad to hear that, dear. Uncle Albus would like to see you when you're free after dinner."
Snape rolled his eyes.
"Do you have something to say, Severus."
"Not at all, Minerva. Have a good day."
She smiled at me before leaving.
....
I hurried off to my room at lunch and pulled out the box and letter. It was written in the familiar scrawl that most people found difficult to read.
I smiled as a smelled the familiar musty potions smell that accompanied Thornwood.
Little one,
I am relieved to hear that you are being well taken care of by my old friend Albus Dumbledore. I am even more relieved to hear that Severus has made you his assistant and is making use of you. From his glowing account of you If seems like you are already both causing trouble and impressing folks per usual. Keep your wit sharp and your tongue sharper as always. Write me anytime. I included a little gift to make up for the fact we didn't get a proper goodbye. I am told you are in hiding, and at my earlier convenience I will pay Hogwarts a visit. You are the strongest little witch I've ever seen. I have no doubt in my mind after this past week that you can handle whatever is thrown your way.
Proud as always,
Thaddeus Thornwood

A few tears escaped and dropped on the parchment. I opened the box and gasped.
Unicorn blood, Phoenix tears, and Dragonsbane. All extremely rare and forbidden to use without permission from a professor. I was thankful he didn't seem to think any less of me after what he saw me do to Julius and his sister.
...
I waved goodbye To the Slytherin table after dinner. I just had to help Snape clean up and then I would go see Dumbledore. I carried the small box in my robes, grinning.
Snape looked at me, confused when I entered grinning from ear to ear.
"What on earth could you be so happy about?"
"Hey Snapey Snape. What are ya doing this weekend?"
"Hoping to not getting sucked into chaperoning that stupid Hogsmeade trip. Probably grading papers. What about you?"
"I HAVE A HOT DATE."
Snape sighed.
"I thought you'd decided you were too good for the local male student population... so you are going to Hogsmeade with that boy?"
"I still am too good for them. WRONG AND WRONG."
Snape looked confused and crossed his arms.
"I've got a hot date with the restricted section and you're not going to Hogsmeade."
"I'm not sure I follow where you're going with this...how are you getting into the restricted section and for what purpose?"
I grinned and produced the box.
He looked at it and then up at me.
"Open it, Snape. Do it. Do it. Do it." He rolled his eyes.
"Alright, Alright."
He took the ornate box and opened it. He closed it quickly and looked around to see if anyone was around.
"Did Thornwood send all of this? These are extremely hard to come by and banned...we had better keep this between us. These are very dangerous if you don't use them for the right reasons. I haven't been able to get any unicorn blood for years..."
"Oh believe me, I know. That's why I thought we could use them this weekend. Keep the leftovers for another time. You can keep them for me. I trust you. Probably better than just keeping them in the Slytherin dorms."
"You trust me? You want to share with me?" He looked puzzled.
"It's the least I can do for all you've done. Besides...That's what friends are for. You're the only person that would even know what these are anyways and get excited about weekend potion brewing like me. We can make a day of it. Just hanging out and brewing potions...Thornwood would do that when I was having a bad week sometimes. Of course it was simple potions, nothing like what we'd be brewing...I'm ready though."
He licked his lips and then stared at the floor for a moment before making eye contact.
"Saturday then?"
I smiled.
"Meet you here after breakfast?"
He nodded.
"I'm so excited. Thanks Snape! You're the best!" I ran up to him and threw my arms around him. I felt his tension let go and he let the arm that wasn't clutching the box wrap around my back. I pulled away and then skipped off, leaving him standing there awkwardly holding a box.
....
"Dumbledore!" I squealed as I bounced into his office. He looks shocked to see me in such a good mood.
"I'm so glad to see you are doing better. I hear you're very popular among the students and you really amazed Flitwick with your knowledge of dueling. If he challenges you to a sparring match soon I wouldn't be surprised."
"I love it. I'm feeling so much better."
Dumbledore smiled.
"I'm so sorry I haven't really been here for you. I talked to Thornwood and let him know you are okay. He thinks of you as a daughter, you know. He owled Severus as well and was pleased to know that you are assisting him. I'm glad to hear that as well, it's not often he takes a liking to a student. You are something special, Anastasia."
"Thank you so much, sir!"
"Call me Albus, I am your uncle now after all." He laughed and winked.
"Albus! I'm so excited I have so much to tell you."
"Well sit on down here with me and take a lemon drop and a cup of tea." He flicked his wand and sat down on a blue couch and motioned for me to join him.
I took a seat and the tea and bowl of candy floated over. I popped one in my mouth and then dropped one in my tea.
"Genius. I never thought to do that." He dropped one in his tea as well.
"It's a thing I started doing when I was little. Peppermint sticks are good as well."
He raised his eyebrows.
"I'll remember that tip as well. Now tell me the news."
"Where do I start? Oh! Thornwood sent some rare potions ingredients. Snape and I are going to use them this weekend. Is it alright if I get into the restricted section? I wanted to look for some stuff. I'm sure Snape can get in, but I'd like to research as well."
"I think that can be arranged. But I need to speak with you about what happened before I allow you in there."
My face fell.
"You used an unforgivable curse and poisoned a girl, and I'm not saying the boy didn't deserve it or the girl, but you are not an Auror yet, so I need you to promise to be responsible. I know you will be, but I have to make sure as your Uncle Albus, you know." He winked.
"I know what it felt like. I didn't even know I could do it until I did it... I would be lying if I said I was sorry or regretted it. I wish I did. Does that make sense?"
He nodded.
"I hope I'm not turning dark..."
"Now don't even talk like that! You want to know a secret?"
I looked at him puzzled.
"Nobody is all bad or all good. We all have darkness and light. It's what you choose to do with it that matters. Your path has changed, where are you headed?"
His eyes sparkled.
I looked pensive for a moment.
"I understand." I smiled and hugged the man, getting a face full of beard.
He chuckled.
"You come see me whenever you need to or just feel like it and want some lemon drops. You got that?"
I pulled away and nodded.
"Thank you so much, I will. Goodnight, I'll see you in class tomorrow. Also..."
I rummaged around in my pocket for my journal...
I opened it and ripped out a page and handed it to him.
He gasped.
"It's wonderful, how kind. Are you sure you're not a Hufflepuff?" He tapped the portrait of himself and it appeared in a frame on the wall.
"Is not good enough to hang up! It was just a sketch I did...I thought you might like it. Good night."
I turned to leave. I walked down the stairs to the dungeon, candlelight illuminating the passage.
"Fuck" I felt myself collide with something solid. And I hit the ground with a thud.
"Oh fuck....fuck...fuck....fuck....." My healing body screamed for mercy.
I felt myself being pulled back up on my feet by strong arms.
"Are you alright?" I realized I was looking up into the eyes of Severus Snape.
"Whoops. Sorry about that. I'm just really tired..." I bent over and winced as I tried to collect papers and objects that I had dropped. My journal had came unbound and I scrambled to pick up sketches, one of my healing potions had shattered and was oozing into the cracks between the stones in the floor. I picked up Julius's wand and twisted my hair up and stuck it in the knot. I retrieved my wand from my skirt where it was tucked and was about to cast a spell to expedite the cleanup, when I noticed Snape was hunched over collecting my possessions.
"May I have this?" He held up a portrait of himself I had began working on yesterday.
"It's not good. I can do a better one if you want one?" I chewed my lip, embarrassed.
"So many beautiful things to draw and yet you draw something so vile." He smirked and pocketed the paper.
"You're not vile. I like looking at you." I shrugged and then realized what I said...my face turned red.
He wore a shocked expression.
"I mean, you're interesting. That's usually why I draw people...it helps me figure them out..." He thumbed through my journal and I wish he'd stop.
"You create your own spells?...here's a few more of me...and one of the headmaster, some plants....and another of me....funny how there's more of me than anything else..." he smirked.
I realized it looked odd. He wasn't bad looking. He was extremely handsome. I had always liked his hair...it was different. His lips were a challenge to draw...I liked challenges. He was one. I was trying to make out his character. He had so many different accounts from people. He was loathed by the majority of his students, but I found him so kind. He was so powerful and intelligent...Albus and Thornwood seemed to trust him even when McGonagall looked at him with distrust. My insides were churning watching him go through my notes.
"No love poems? No pictures of flowers? You like to draw some interesting things...is that a hippogriff skull?"
"Okay that's enough for now." I was blushing tomato red. He handed me back my journal and began examining a beat-up copy of "Macbeth".
"Shakespeare?" He looked amused.
I nodded. He looked at the book he was holding underneath it now.
"You must have been to the restricted section already. You have any ideas for Saturday?"
I nodded.
"Good. I think we can knock out a good few potions. I have a few in mind myself if you still are alright with sharing your ingredients."
"Oh of course, you don't even have to ask. They're ours to use." I smiled.
"I appreciate that. You better run off to bed before I give you detention for breaking curfew." He winked and I felt my stomach flip and my face go red again. I felt nervous. He handed me back my things.
"Scourgify." He muttered and flicked his wand at the spilled potion and it was cleaned in an instant.
I watched him disappear down the hall.