Snape's behaviour surprised me. Until now, never had he dared to offend me in the presence of another teacher. And now, not only had he done that, but also he had offended Neville. Never before had I felt such an anger. Only now could I really say that I truly hated him. It was not just taking the points away quite unfairly, or even rude comments about my abilities.

On the other hand, I knew that I could not let him get me provoked. Not now, when we all were in the Great Hall during dinner time, and all of the students were gathered there. Our argument would be observed by everyone, and there was no McGonagall to stop us and solve the problem.

"Give it a rest, Neville," I whispered, seeing Neville blushing even more now; he looked like he was about to explode.

"No!" he answered, shaking his head. It seemed that he really was on the verge of an outburst. "He's been making fun of me since my school time! Does he really think he's got right to do that? I'm not a student anymore! I'm a teacher, just like him!"

"But we've got no right to argue with him, when we're all in front of the students, Neville!" I squealed, glancing nervously towards Snape, who was just taking his place at the table. He was smiling a little, but I could see clear triumph painted all over his face. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. "Don't think I don't understand you, I do. He's been bothering me since he came back. And I can't avoid him any longer."

No sooner had I said that than I regretted my words. After all, had I not promised to myself that I would not complain to anyone? And now – I did it, and to Neville! Although many thought that Neville was not brave, I knew his courage was so great that I was afraid that he would get himself hurt.

"He's been bothering you?" he repeated, then began to get up. I caught his hand, completely terrified, just to stop him. I did not want him to get into any trouble because of that, and I was sure that Snape would do everything to make Neville regret his decision.

"I beg of you," I whispered. "He's gonna destroy you..."

"I don't care," he replied, frowning. "Though, I really was sure, for a little moment, that you alone have some faith in me, you know."

I blinked in surprise, having not expected such a reaction. It sounded just as if he had completely misunderstood my words.

"You know well that that's not what I mean." I grimaced slightly. "I just don't want you to get hurt, and Snape... You know perfectly what he's like. He's not going to stop himself... While you'd be playing by the rules, he..."

"No, Darcie. Not this time. I cannot let him threaten me all my life just because he is who he is."

I had never seen such a disgust upon Neville's face; but he could not be smiling as he was looking at Snape. I actually admired his attitude, but at the same time, I could not help but worry about the consequences.

Neville pulled his hand out of mine and stood up. My heart stopped beating for a moment as I watched him walk closer to Snape. I had the greatest hopes that he would not start fighting with him, nevertheless, I was afraid my hopes would prove futile. To my surprise, though, nothing like that happened. I could not hear them talking from where I was, apparently because both of them tried their best not to let me, but I could almost see hatred emanating from them.

When Neville came back after a while, he was breathing heavily, as if he had just been running for a great distance. He sat down, and his hands were shaking so much that he decided not to eat and threw the fork aside; it fell onto a plate with a clank.

"The fact that he's considered a hero, does not change that he's also the biggest asshole in the whole world," he muttered, combing his hair nervously.

His words made me smile. Even at this moment I could not stop myself from doing that. Of course, he was right, but the way he had said that, bemused me to some extent. Besides, just the fact that it was Neville I had heard that from, the very same Neville whom Snape had filled with so much terror for so many years, seemed to be just exhilarating.

I was happy that he had finally tamed this fear in himself. I believed that the time when we had still been sure the Potions Master had died was the main factor that had influenced him. Snape had become something more like a nightmare or a childish phobia than a real man. And now, as he had come back, he had not managed to ignite this dread in Neville's heart again.

And I was glad he had not. Neville had done nothing to deserve a life in constant fear. I still remember him shaking so hard when he had still been at school, about to meet Snape. However, he had been present on all of his classes. It had made a completely different man out of him.

"What did you tell him?" I asked, not really knowing whether I should be asking him this question. But I had seen them talking.

I could see the expression upon Neville's face; it betrayed that he was not sure what he wanted to say. It made me feel strange. Becuase if he wanted to hide something from me, it must have meant that something bad had happened there.

But on the other hand, what bad could have happened if no argument had taken place? If both of them had been able to control their own nerves... probably there was a way to make it work, even if some unpleasant words had been said.

"Nothing at all," said Neville, but he did not convince me. He was not really capable of lying.

"Neville."

I glanced at him, my eyes filled with seriousness. For a while, he did try to avoid my look, but finally, he just sighed. Was it really such a grave thing? Now, as he had been lingering so much, I started to worry.

"No, really, it's no big deal. Honestly," he repeated, this time with more conviction in his voice, but I still was not really able to believe him.

Having resigned from having at least a little bite, Neville stood up. His face was slightly paler than before, but it could just as well be the trick of the light coming from the candles hovering above our heads. Though, I guess I tried to lie to myself.

"Well, we'll see each other tomorrow."

The smile he sent to me was forced, and Neville seemed not to even try to pretend it was not so. Not waiting for my answer, he just turned back and left the Great Hall.

I was still staring at the door, when I finally decided that it would be best to follow Neville's steps and just skip dinner. I just finished drinking my juice, then got up. I still found it hard to believe that this day was going to end so badly, even though I had already begun to believe that everything would be fine.

The moment I was putting my bag full of books onto my shoulder, I felt someone's touch on my hand. Surprised, I turned back, but had not expected to see what I saw.

"Please, let me accompany you."

His quiet voice made me shiver. I was worried that he was up to something. Even though it might sound absurdly, I was slightly afraid that as soon as we leave the Great Hall, he would attack me. Because why else would Snape suggest he would accompany me?

"Thank you, I can do it on my own," I answered as coolly as I only could, then started walking. I hoped he would not dare follow me, but he went even further.

Before I could even make a step, I felt his cold fingers clenching around my wrist. I tugged my hand a few times, but he was holding quite tight, and I could not get free. Heart jumped up to my throat.

"I insist, Miss Shirley." Despite it being just a whisper, his tone was nothing but one that would not allow any objection.

I had no idea what Snape might want from me, and going anywhere with him did not seem pleasant to me. On one hand, I could doubt that he would dare hurt me – after all, until now he had been just taunting me, nothing more – but on the other... I, myself, had just told Neville that Snape was capable of doing anything. And I truly believed it, whether it was true or not, so I really did not want to take a risk.

Once again, I tugged my hand, wanting him to let me go, but that was when his fingers took an even stronger grip on my wrist. I grimaced slightly with pain.

"Please, let me go, Professor," I demanded, but my voice trembled a bit. And although I had expected to see another sneer of triumph upon the man's face, I spotted no change.

"I will, as soon as we are alone," he answered at last. His voice was calm beyond expectation, as if there was nothing strange in what he was doing.

So I had no other choice. Whether I wanted it or not, I had to leave the Great Hall together with Snape. The corridors were completely silent, because the majority of the students were still inside, eating dinner. We were alone – but the grip on my wrist did not seem to be any lighter.

I was about to open my mouth to remind him about his promise, but that was when I felt Snape tugging me further, now heading towards the dungeons. I was surprised, and – well, there is no point in hiding it – terrified, but I hope I did not betray my feelings. But maybe the Potions Master felt it, after all, my heart rate got faster...

"My office is not in the dungeons," I said, maybe a bit too harshly, when he sped up. Rarely were the students found in these areas; I did not remember myself going this far during my school years.

Snape did not answer. The corridor was cold, and I could feel an unpleasant stench of mustiness. I knew, of course, that there were many places in the castles that I had never been to, but that was definitely not the way I would like to explore them.

"If you say a word to anyone, I swear, you'll live to regret it," he hissed.

I had simply no idea what he was talking about. I glared at him, awaiting any explanation, but he only trapped me between his body and the wall, so I could not escape.

"Do not play the innocent, Shirley. I have no idea what you and Longbottom are up to, but believe me, the Headmistress knows exactly why she keeps me here. Do not dare to meddle in the matters you know nothing about."

His words kept surprising me more and more, but at that moment I remembered the conversation I had with McGonagall. Then there was indeed something bad going on in the school. Snape's return, on the other hand, even though unexpected both for us and for the Headmistress herself, was not completely accidental.

"I do not meddle into anything. And I'm not up to anything with Neville. But we won't have it. Even, or maybe especially coming from you, Professor."

Snape raised his brows. In the dim candlelight the scars on his face glistened pearly. Slowly he moved back from me and let go of my hands.

"So you really don't know anything."

It sounded as if he had not believed me up to now. I frowned, rubbing the skin of my wrists. Until now, I had never really realised how strong Snape was. If he truly wanted to hurt me, he probably could do it easily.

"I don't even know what I was supposed to know about. And now, Professor, if you let me, I'm going back to my office. And I truly hope that next time we meet, you will stop offending me, no matter if I'm alone, or with anyone else."

Blood kept rushing loudly through my veins, I could hear it in my ears, when I turned back to leave. I was not quite sure wha thad just happened. Even though You-Know-Who had already been defeated, even though one would think that there should be peace both in the castle and in the whole wizarding world, it turned out that there still were way too many secrets. And they were secrets that, just as I had thought, could put the school and the students in danger.

"I'll accompany you, Shirley," I heard.

My surprise made me come to a halt and look at Snape. He had not moved from where he had been standing before, and it made me feel a bit more confident.

"Thank you, Professor. I think I can find the way by myself."