Bewitching the Mind and Ensnaring the Senses

CHAPTER TWO: Do You Trust Me?

Ariana:

Four days had passed and as much as I hate to admit it I was growing to like Severus. He was becoming very kind and even started to joke with me on occasion. However he was quite wishy washy. If I believed in Muggle Astrology I would categorize him as a gemini. As I rounded the corner to the great hall I ran squarely into Albus.

"Ahh, Ana please excuse my absent mindlessness."

"Oh not at all Headmaster, I was lost in a daydream."

"Well how kind of you to excuse an old man. Say, you haven't seen Severus around have you? You two seemed to be joined at the hip recently. I think he may even be growing fond of you."

I could feel confusion take over my face. Severus and I? I couldn't begin to imagine. He is quite dark and dare I say it greasy and I liken myself to sunshine and organization.

"No sir I have yet to see him today."

"Yes, well, it is only but 7:30, where are you headed off to? Care for a cup of tea? Or maybe a brandy" he said winking. I was actually headed to Severus' quarters, against his wishes, asking him to teach me to brew skele-grow to help him in preparation for the upcoming quidditch season.

"I would love to Headmaster, I'll accompany you to breakfast after." The tea time was filled with quite delightful small talk and I found myself frequently circling back to Severus or more honestly Albus' comment about Severus and I. In the six days I had spent with him thus far had I really cracked his cold shell? It seemed to me that we spent just as much time together as I did with any of the other professors however I guess anytime someone spends with Snape is a lot of time in the schools opinion. But I learned soon that he is not how he portrays himself. He is in fact a bit caring and empath, even if it is against his facade he puts on for the rest of Hogwarts.

"Is something on your mind my dear?" My brains gears came to a halt.

"Oh no Headmaster, it's nothing really."

"Do tell. You look quite entranced in thought."

"Well, concerning what you said earlier, I do believe I'm growing fond of Severus."

"Fond are you now? Well I assure you Severus is a wonderful friend to have here. He is rather loyal." I smiled, feeling it spread from ear to ear. Albus nodded back. "Well we must be off or we'll miss breakfast" he said just as a sickly looking bird burst into flames.

Severus:

I sauntered into the great hall for breakfast. Most everyone had already begun eating and the only open seat at the staff table was next to Ariana. I took it less than graciously waiting for Hagrid to begin sopping on about some creature he had recently acquired but instead, chipper as ever, Ariana turned to me.

"Good morning Sev. How did you sleep?"

I let a groan escape and she looked sad. I had actually slept terribly. Had been for the past year now. "I slept fine."

"You know Sev, the Hogsmeade trip is today, but I don't quite feel like going. The walk in the snow seems quite unreasonable. Do you perhaps want to stay here play wizard chess? I also wanted to take a stab at making butter beer myself." My heart stopped. She had rambled it all because she was afraid to say it. I was conflicted to find that I actually wanted to. I was taking a liking to the small blonde. Disgusting.

"Fine. I will follow your silly little plan. But only if you finally help me brew that skele-grow potion you promised." She beamed from ear to ear.

"Pinky" she said thrusting what I think is quite possibly the most tiny finger I've ever seen into my face.

"That won't be necessary."