Tainted

Chapter 3 - Start of Something New

A/N here you go! New chapter up but I will be busy with my art assignment so don't expect the next chapter for at least a few weeks. DISCLAIMER: I do not own the rights to the works of JK Rowling or the lyrics used in this chapter

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I never got my binder back from Severus but that was okay since I remembered everything and besides it just gives me a reason to go see him again. Discarding my most recent sketch which were my fail attempts at combining a lion and a snake, I headed off to Severus’ office for the third time this week.

Unlike the other couple of times, the corridors were full of chatty students just having a good time with their friends. I knocked on his door and waited for his reply.

“Come in Mrs Somerhalder.”

“How did you know it was me?” I asked as I sat down in the same chair as I did the night before.

“As you can imagine I don’t get many visitors. You seem to be the only one ignorant enough to pursue anything more than a professional relationship.”

“Just so you know if you’re going to address me like one of your students, it’s Ms Somerhalder. I’m not married or seeing anyone. Also, I will take that as a compliment. I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt especially when they already have so many rumours about them.  And it’s not unusual for colleagues to be friends. You’re going to be stuck with me for a while yet.

He mumbled something about me being a fool or insolent girl. It was one or the other. There might have been something in there about me talking too much as well.

“Here.”

Severus pushed my binder towards me. I stared at it for a moment or two, this was not going well. At first I wanted to be friends because that’s what Lily would have wanted but, now I want to be friends because he’s unlike anyone I’ve ever known. Yet here he is pushing me away as far as possible.

“That is what you came for, is it not?” Severus asked, a little puzzled at my reaction.

“Um, no yeah it is.” My voice was so quiet I barely heard it myself. I clutched my binder close to me and started walking away. Just as I got to the door I stopped and looked back to find Severus slightly puzzled.

“Actually, Professor Snape?”

“What is it now Ms Somerhalder?” Any sign of the confusion he felt completely left his face.

“I was wondering if maybe you would…”My voice trailed off and I almost slapped myself for being so nervous. It’s not going to be a date, I just want to know him a little better. So why am I so nervous?

“Spit it out you wretched girl.”

“I wanted to know if you would accompany me on a walk around the school sometime.” I answered softly, my voice subtly pleading him to say yes.

“No.”

“Awh come on, just one walk. It won’t even mean anything, just want to know you a little better okay?”

“What will I get out of it?”

I paused. That was very Slytherin-like of him but he’s got a point. He’s skilled in both Legilimency and Occlumency so what else have I got to offer? I don’t have any other magical skills but there must be something. I got it.

“How about you spend Christmas with me?”

“And why would that please me?” He scoffed.

“Well, you can either spend it with me or be locked up in the school away from my friend’s dragon farm."