• 1-Prologue: A Somewhat Different Time; A Somewhat Different Place
• 2-Chapter 1: Getting Acquainted
• 3-Chapter 2: Adventures in Diagon Alley
• 4-Chapter 3: Hogwarts
• 5-Chapter 4: Establishing Routines (Part 1)
• 6-Chapter 5: Establishing Routines (Part 2)

“Come on, sleepyhead!”

Selena was bounced from her sleep by bright-eyed Ginny Weasley pushing on the mattress near her head, laughing as she swiped halfheartedly at her with a pillow, “Time to go already?”

“We're just waiting on you and my lazy lump of a brother, Ron,” answered the girl, moving back to the door. “I'll see you downstairs, though, I forgot my bag.”

Sweeping aside her blanket, Selena pulled herself together in record time, choosing a blouse of white silk and a knee-length skirt of deep green, with a simple pair of matching flats. Grabbing her silver cloak and the money from the night before, she cut across the library and met the group in the foyer. Harry and Hermione talked quietly beside the fireplace with Molly, Arthur pulling on his outer robe, nodding a silent greeting as she entered. When Harry went to join Ginny, she took the moment and slipped the pouch to Hermione. The girl's eyes grew wide when she peeked inside, tucking it securely out of sight right after. Ron was the last to join the group, hair bristling in an under-brushed mop. Rolling her eyes, Hermione cast a quick charm and corrected the problem.

Lining up, the redheaded family and its additions all grabbed a handful of Floo Powder, each announcing their destination and stepping into the swirling emerald flames. Selena wondered if her magic might cause problems, but could not balk now, grasping a small amount of the glittering blackish-green dust with her left hand, just to be safe. The scent of burnt minerals drifted through her nose from between her fingers as she tossed the granules into the crackling fire, making them flame high with greenish-white smoke. Clearing her throat, she announced her destination, stepping forward, “Diagon Alley.”

Stepping forward, Selena felt her body flow and join with the flames, before racing past a series of grates that were also connected to the network. A great amount of power was used by this construct and she could feel it through her shields, pulsing with a rhythm she was very familiar with. Vaguely wondering what would happen if she tried to tap into the flaming transportation system, she could feel and see that she drew near to her stop within Diagon Alley. Feeling the magic begin to dissipate, she grasped at the offered hand that entered her vision to step into the dim light of a pub/inn. One of the twins offered a smile as he helped her exit the hearth and she was pretty sure it was Fred. Nearby, the rest of the Weasley's, Hermione and Harry all waited, making light conversation.

Looking around the dimly lit pub, Selena could feel the tension in the air as patrons flickered unsure eyes briefly over their group. It was clear that the news of Voldemort's return placed many in deep fear, as most did not fall under his Pureblood regime's beliefs or tenets. Most of the people seemed to relax when they saw the group of redheads, especially Arthur, turning back to drinks and food to resume interrupted conversations, but a few departed with bowed heads and concealing cloaks. Moving over to the group, she tapped Mrs. Weasley on the arm, “I'd like to look around a bit, if you don't mind?”

“If you think you'll be OK, dear,” the matronly woman replied, adjusting her shawl and beret. “We will be at Flourish & Blott's in about an hour.”

“All right, I'll see you there,” Selena answered, walking out to the courtyard that opened into the Alley proper. She didn't mind looking like a tourist, happily window shopping and making memories every moment. Stopping outside Eeylop's Owl Emporium on her second circuit around the alley, she stopped to admire a large eagle owl perched on a nearby stand. It regarded her with wide gold eyes, its gaze flipping over her left shoulder briefly then ruffling its feathers, beginning to preen with ferocity.

Glancing over her shoulder, she found Severus Snape standing across the thoroughfare, watching her interaction with the large avian. A smile involuntarily sprang to her lips as the owl's body language suddenly made sense to her, clapping a hand over her mouth before she laughed and slipping into the shop. The attendant greeted her politely with a wave and then turned back to helping another customer choose among a series of heavy-duty perches.

Letting her gaze wander over the various breeds of owls, Selena soon found her gaze drawn to a large barn owl, lazily watching her with small black eyes. Making her way over to it, she admired the symphony of gold, white and cream feathers. As if feeling her positive appraisal, it leaned forward and bobbed its head at her, hooting low and then turning around to stretch first one wing and leg, then the other. Hunkering down, it began cleaning between its talons, finished with its little display. Chuckling, she shook her head, “I don't think Nightshade would like you.”

“Find something amusing, Ms. Argyle?”

The voice that filled her ears was unmistakable and quite close, making her turn about to find that Snape had followed and was now looking down his rather large nose at her. Smiling, she shrugged, “Just telling this pompous bird that my familiar would probably not like him very much,”

“Is that so?” he asked, glancing at the bird. “Pray tell what sort of creature has bound itself to you, then?”

“'Nightshade is my 'Corvus Corax',” she answered, slipping around him to head back toward the door. “Currently, he's out running an errand for me, or I would introduce you. Excuse me.”

As she brushed by, Selena felt a crawl of magic, causing goosebumps to spring over the expanse of the skin on her arms and back. Glad for her cloak at that moment, she brushed a hand down her arm, the fine hairs standing on end, glancing at the man to see if he showed any sign of feeling anything similar. His dark eyes followed her, but nothing seemed to have changed his stern demeanor and she guessed it was just her. Which was fine. She didn't really need any metaphysical things going on right now.

Stepping back out into the morning air, she pulled out one of the parchments Albus had given her the night before, her eyes moving up and down the street. Catching sight of the book shoppe, she started to take a step onto the cobbles when a hand grasped her arm and swung her around. Once again she was face to face with Snape, this time his expression held just a bit of annoyance, “Not very polite, are you Ms. Argyle?”

“More polite than when you nearly knocked me on my ass the other night,” she answered back, tugging her arm from his grasp. “At least I said, excuse me.”

He looked at her like she had sprouted another head, astonishment flowing away to the quiet anger she caught a glimpse two nights ago. It was gone in another moment, back to the stern condescending facade, but now holding just a bit more dislike, “Don't think because you are Albus' little pet for this project, that I will accept any disrespect from you. Here or once you begin school.”

Allowing a lofty little smile to grace her features, Selena squared her shoulders, offering the man her full attention, “Of course not, sir. What can I do for you this morning?”

“Tell me why you are out by yourself.” he demanded, dark eyes narrow and only for her, momentarily flicking to the piece of parchment she still held.

“I was unaware my comings and goings were to be scrutinized so soon, Professor Snape, care to come along while I buy some new underwear?” she quipped with a laugh, watching his eyes take on a flint-like hardness. “Actually, I've been picking up supplies for the coming year and was taking a little time for myself. I'm supposed to meet Mr. & Mrs. Weasley and the rest at the bookstore to finish up.”

The paper was indeed a list of supplies for Hogwarts, annotated with a few items she had wanted to pick up, so she held it to where he could read. His lips curled into a ferocious scowl, but she was not concerned, as there were too many people doing business this morning for him to do anything foolish. What she did not expect was being deftly, but forcibly, maneuvered into the small shop next door to Eeylops, the slim dark man gripping her arm just above her elbow. The shop attendant took one look at Snape and shuffled away beyond the curtain behind the counter, leaving them alone.

Allowing some of the surprise she felt to show on her face, Selena glanced around, wondering what he had in mind that would require seclusion in such a place. It was what she would define as an odds-and-ends shop, assortments of items arranged on various shelves and tables, signs pointing directions to other portions of what was obviously a converted house. Before she could assess more of her surroundings, the soft, incredibly hot, breath of Snape hissed across her ear again, bringing her attention sharply back to him.

“You are entirely too cheeky, Ms. Argyle, and should show more care in your attitudes.”

Rankling at the velvet-laced threat in his voice, despite the delicious tingle that raced over her neck and down her spine, Selena pulled around and found his face quite close, the scent of herbs filling her nose as she took a moment to actually look at the man. His skin was a pale, almost sallow hue, features drawn into a frown and his hooked nose taking her air as she did his. He was a good head and a half taller than she and there was a surprising amount of strength in the fingers that held her arm. Enough light filtered in through the windows to show her that his hair was rather stringy, glistening with the telltale sheen of vaporlocke; a common affliction to the hair of Potion workers. strands veiling his dark gaze partially. What drew her were the fathomless eyes that burned with such ferocity, glinting like obsidian daggers beyond the midnight strands.

Already what the group had told her the night before about him was proving to be true ; he was an unhappy man stuck between the rock and hard place that were Albus Dumbledore & Lord Voldemort. Defined as the biggest tyrant at Hogwarts, she could see why children who had been subjected to such behaviors from age eleven onward would be highly intimidated. She, however, was not, and would not allow him to think that she was, “Last I checked, sir, I was my own person and fully capable of my own decisions. But, if I have offended you, please excuse me, it's in my nature to be flippant.”

Saying nothing more, he released her but continued to glare. Brushing a hand down her arm, Selena arched a brow at him, “As I'm very sure we'll be seeing more of each other, Professor Snape, I bid you good-day.”

“Good-day, Ms. Argyle,” he answered unexpectedly, turning to peruse a rack of bottles as if she no longer was of any importance.

Not used to being dismissed with such coldness, it pricked her ego, especially since she had not really done anything to warrant his actions. Opening the door, she started to walk out, her anger getting the better of her. Allowing all the smooth sweetness of her own voice to travel in the silent air of the establishment, she glanced briefly over her shoulder toward him, “By the way... I am no one's pet.”

He straightened, as if he did not expect another statement from her, but Selena didn't stick around, darting back outside and onto the street. It was a shame he seemed to be as unpleasant as the others had told her, but for all she knew he was just having a bad day. Of course, with the things that she had heard of that had happened over the past few years, she was sure that the dark-eyed wizard was suffering from untold amounts of stress. Wondering if he ever found any release or respite, she traipsed across the cobblestones, entering Madam Malkin's shop.

A younger woman greeted her as she entered, querying as to what she might be looking to purchase. With Selena's reply, the witch gestured to an alcove near where a short, friendly looking witch made measurements on a fine-featured young man with platinum blond hair. Nearby, a similar looking woman examined fabrics and designs floating about her, pushing one or another to the side in rejection. Selena felt a pang as she discreetly observed the pair, easily seeing the fey blood, the sidhe blood, in these people. She missed being at home and seeing them made her wish for Carrow, but she had a duty to perform. Picking amongst the undergarments, she sought items of black, dark green or blue, in racier styles and cuts, but all were pretty basic. Gathering a couple, she made her way to the counter, fishing in her pocket for the proper amount.

As the younger witch totaled the purchase, she looked at Selena with a conspiratorial glint in her soft gray eyes, “Don't tell Madam Malkin, but you might like the 'Midnight Masquerades' shop down Knockturn. They aren't quite as up-tight in designs as they are here.”

“Thank you, miss, I'll keep that in mind,” she replied, tucking her parcel and change away and heading back outside. Glancing at the clock on the high tower of Gringott's, Selena could see she still had a half-hour before it would be time to meet up with the group, so she decided to continue her wandering. Not too far across the alley, she saw a darker, more foreboding off-shoot, a sign proclaiming it 'Knockturn Alley' hanging from a wrought iron post. Slipping up her hood, she maneuvered through a few groups of shoppers, entering the shadowed alley alone.

She immediately could feel a difference in the magic here, a close, cold brush of power across her shields that set her on edge. Allowing her eyes to move around her surroundings, the shops and businesses all clearly had darker interests in mind. Wicked smelling candles she could sense from feet away, shrunken heads, small pouches of items advertised as human fingernails, nothing what would be described as wholesome or nonthreatening. Making her way along, she turned a corner to find the way ended in a cul-de-sac, a sign with a simple white domino mask announcing her destination, 'Midnight Masquerades.'

Passing beneath the intricately carved archway, she could see a curtain kept passersby from merely peeking in to ogle the wares they offered, and she pulled it aside to step within. Racks and racks of sumptuous clothing were revealed to her wide eyes, the walls of deep, dark, red giving the atmosphere of warmth and closeness. A witch and wizard spoke quietly behind the counter, going over a ledger and scroll, only glancing her way briefly. Slowly circulating around, she could see the witch from Madam Malkin's was correct and this place would offer a few choices to her wardrobe. Knowing she did not have a whole lot of time, Selena grabbed a few items that caught her eye immediately and made her way toward the couple.

On the way she was brought up short by a case filled with jewelry topped by an elaborate tree of gold. Draped from the branches were various necklaces of different lengths and designs, glittering in the light of the numerous lanterns around the shop. A glint of green caught her eye and she reached out to cup a small bottle strung on a smooth chain of silver. Delicate filigree work encased the emerald glass, with an etched band of silver encircling the neck. A matching chain secured the stopper to the band so it would not be lost. It was a beautiful piece of craftsmanship, but the tag declared '275 Galleons' and far out of her price range.

Sighing, she concluded her purchase, nearly being bowled over by a sweeping figure as she exited the curtained archway. The package she carried was ripped from her hands to smack loudly on the cobblestones, bringing the dark-robed man who ran into her up short. For a moment she thought it was her soon-to-be instructor again following, but she was mistaken as her eyes found the face of the wizard. He looked strikingly similar to the pair of people she had seen within Madam Malkin's, shoulder length platinum blond hair brushing the collar of his immaculate suit, his eyes a cool, piercing blue-gray. His angry countenance was wiped away by a considering appraisal as he bent to retrieve her package. Distinctly reminded of Caspian's father, she gingerly took the parcel from the leather-clad hand, offering a small smile of gratitude, “Thank you, sir. My apologies for interrupting you.”

“You are rather polite, for an American,” he spoke, tones measured and telling of aristocratic upbringing. His gaze continued to absorb the outward details of her, feeling that things here were similar to court activities, like back at home.

“Thank you, I think.” she laughed lightly, tucking the box close to her body. “I appreciate you taking the time to stop and help me, but I have an appointment to get to. Pardon me.”

Offering a polite bow of her head in final farewell, Selena turned and headed back toward the intersection of Diagon Alley and Knockturn, wondering to herself what business had drawn that wizard there. Tucking it away for the time, she moved quickly to the bookstore, slipping inside with a sigh.

The rich scent of parchment, leather and paper filled her nose, countless racks & shelves of books drawing her eye, with more than a few customers perusing the selections offered. She could see that many parents were there with children that were likely to be her classmates, and she was not ready to deal with preemptive introductions. It was important that everyone outside of the Order believed her only to be a transfer student and not connected in anyway to the conflict.

Catching sight of Mr. Weasley, she discreetly moved toward him, taking cover from the windows behind a shelf, gesturing to catch his eye. He noticed and with curiosity on his face, meandered to examine a shelf of books dedicated to charms, while actually paying attention to her, “Is everything OK, Selena?”

“If you don't mind, I would like to return to the house,” she answered, a glance moving around the store. “I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by things and I'd like to grab a nap before my head starts to hurt.”

Patting her on the shoulder, he nodded in understanding, “Of course, you know the way?”

With her nod, she pulled out her list and money pouch, tucking some of the coins in her pocket to give the redheaded patron the remainder, “Could I ask that you purchase the books I will need for this year? Keep the change, with my appreciation.”

“Gladly, my dear,” Arthur replied, his own smile of appreciation appearing over his fatherly features. Smiling in return, she pulled up her hood and exited the store, the air warm with the late morning sun and catching no sight of either the wizard she had left in Knockturn Alley or Snape, she moved quickly back to the Leaky Cauldron. Silently adjusting her shields, as one would smooth the wrinkles from one's clothes, Selena grasped the green-black powder and tossed it into the flames, glancing quickly about before announcing,“Twelve Grimmuld Place.”

Part of her was again tempted to drop her shields enough to test the power of the Floo Network as the roaring of the flames filled her ears, wishing to commune with her elemental affinity in so huge and controlled place. Even when she went to observe some of the wildfires in the California forests, it had felt nothing like this. Before another moment passed, she stepped from the hearth and shook the soot from the hem of her pale cloak, frowning at the stains revealed to her eyes. Quietly climbing the stairs to her room, Selena ran a suddenly tired hand down her face, noticing too late that soot covered her fingers. Groaning, she deposited her belongings on the bed and grabbed the things she would need for a bath. She did not expect anyone for at least another hour, so she felt confidant enough to take care of it before they returned.

Wondering what kind of bathroom was hidden in the master suite, she moved to the door that no one else seemed to use and pushed inside. It was clear that someone slept here, as there were no signs of dust anywhere and the bedclothes were still rumpled from where something had been tossed to rest. But as she did not know who, Selena looked around, calling out, “Hello? Anyone home?”

No sound answered her and she stepped inside and caught sight of the door that she guessed would lead to the bathroom. Padding across the surprisingly plush carpet, she grasped the knob and pulled, a lights automatically illuminating the dark recesses of the room. Dark green, black and silver dominated the color scheme of the bathroom with a serpent motif to the fixtures and embroidered in silver on the towels hanging from various rods. There was both a shower stall and a tub of dark green that looked big enough to hold three people, and after a moment, decided on a shower.

Sliding open the gold-green rippled glass door, she turned a series of taps until hot water began to stream from the four matching shower heads. Slipping from her clothes she stepped into the cubicle and slid the door closed behind her. Beneath the multiple jets of water, Selena happily dropped her glamour and proceeded to wet herself down, sighing with the beating heat of the water. Lost in a pleasurable haze she proceeded to lather up her hair, unaware that she was no longer alone, humming the beginning chords of 'Come Back to Me' by the Cherry Poppin Daddies.

The rich scent of sandalwood filled the air as she scrubbed furiously at the copious amounts of her blood-red hair, voice rising above the steady drone of the water and her body shimmying as she started singing,

Hear my voice

Where you are

Take a train

Steal a car

Hop a freight

Grab a star

Come back to me

Catch a plane

Catch a breeze

On your hands

On your knees

Swim or fly only please

Come back to me

On a mule in a jet

With your hair in a net

Or a towel wringin' wet

I don't care

This is where

You should be

From the hills

From the shore

Ride the wind to my door

Turn highways to dust

Break the law if you must

Move the world only just

Come back to me

Have you gone to the moon

Or the corner saloon

And to rack and ruin

Mademoiselle

Where the hell

Can you be?

In a crate

In a trunk

On a horse

On a drunk

In a Rolls or a van

Wrapped in Mink or Saran

Any way that you can

Come back to me

Giggling, she rinsed the bubbles from her hair and body, running slender fingers over familiar curves and hollows, blasted by the hot water in a steady jets. She did love singing, especially in the shower, but it was not often that the sound of slow applause followed a finish. Freezing, she looked to the opaque glass of the shower doors, only seeing a tall, dark figure topped by an indistinct pale face. Narrowing her eyes, Selena faced the vague form of the wizard who seemed to think he would put her at a disadvantage by invading her ablutions. Turning her voice into sweet venom, she spoke, “Hope you liked the song, Professor Snape. Care for another?”

“I would be tempted, Ms. Argyle,” came the drawling, silky tones of the Potion Master, plainly unconcerned by her response. “But, your performance just now was more than enough. I can see you are going to be quite the popular one if any of your classmates should hear you.”

The tone in his voice would have given no other a clue, but Selena could feel the thread of anger that wove through that statement. Tossing the heavy mass of wet hair behind her, it hit her butt with a rather loud 'slap' and Selena hoped that he had not seen her without the glamour, even if the doors were of rippled, nubilous glass. Stretching, she turned under the spray, adjusting the knob to throw out more hot water and billowing clouds of steam. 'Two can play at this game,' she thought to herself, hissing in pleasure at the pinpricks of heat that began to pelt her skin.

Grabbing the bottle of conditioner and squeezing a generous amount into her palm, she proceeded to smooth the slick concoction through her hair. Filling her bath pouf with a liberal amount of cinnamon scented soap, she grinned as the scent began to mingle with the lingering traces of her shampoo & conditioner. Rubbing at her arms, she was sure he would catch glimpses of her sud-covered hands and fingers as she raised them to the ceiling and moved the pouf over them.

“So to what do I owe the delight of your company, again, sir?” she spoke after a moment, turning back to the doors and walking toward them. Steam fogged the glass in a pale white film, still radiating coolness to her fingertip, despite the heat contained within the cubicle. With a smile, she began to draw on the smooth surface, waiting for a response from her uninvited guest. It was quickly reaching sauna-like temperatures and being in his robes could not be comfortable, but she wasn't concerned. He would either answer or depart, simple as that and she had all the time, and hot water, in the world to wait.

“I take it you were unaware that this is where I have been sleeping whenever I stay at Grimmuld Place?” he asked in return, bringing her up short.

'This is his room?' she thought to herself, turning under the quad-spray to remove all signs of suds and conditioner. There was little she could do about it now, but treat it as if she were at home and had unknowingly usurped someone else's shower, “You are quite correct, sir, I was not made privy to that fact. If you like, I will depart and leave you to your privacy with my deepest apologies.”

“That would suit me fine, Ms. Argyle,” he answered, his dark form moving beyond the gold-green glass. Turning off the taps, Selena twisted the excess water from her locks and pulled her glamor up. Sliding the door open slightly, she reached blindly out for a towel, biting back a gasp as cool fingers grasped her wrist tightly. A bundle of cloth was thrust into her palm, fingers closing automatically around the terrycloth and the hand retreated from her heated skin. Bringing the drying implement inside the humid cubicle and reclosing the gap of the door, she rubbed at her damp skin vigorously, ending by wrapping the black towel around her torso.

Used to casual nudity around the courts, she had no compunction of appearing before the man as she was, sliding the door open with a smooth sound and stepping on to the bathmat on the outside. Looking around, she saw Snape leaning against the door frame, watching with intense interest as she found his face with her eyes. Calmly gathering her articles, she moved toward the doorway, stopping in front of the dark wizard, an amused smile quirking her lips as she looked up at him, “It's kind of difficult to leave, if you don't move. Or, would you like me to return your towel first?”

If she hadn't been so close, Selena might have missed the slight widening of his eyes as they swept her form again. Maybe he liked the idea. After a moment, he moved into the bedroom, allowing her to pass to the hallway, voice smooth and cold, “You may return the towel after you have returned to your room, Ms. Argyle”

“As you wish,” she answered, strolling by him as if she were walking down the middle of Diagon Alley. She had no doubt in her mind that his eyes would drink in each droplet that still sparkled on her creamy skin and each strand of nearly black hair that clung to her shoulders and back. Her ears caught the sound of a deep inhale as she walked out into the hallway, bringing her gaze back over her shoulder, finding the tall man following her. She expected the door to slam in her face, but he merely gestured for her to continue, falling into step behind. The room she currently occupied was at the far opposite end of the upper hallway and he escorted her all the way.

Opening the door Selena stepped within and dropped her belongings in a heap in one of the chairs, glancing to see if he still observed her. No black-robed figure filled her doorway and the sound of retreating steps touched her ears. Unwrapping the plush towel from around her, she wadded it up into a rough ball, stepping nude into the hall and looking at the retreating form of the Potion Master. Rearing back, she launched the damp rectangle of terrycloth at the man, laughing as it landed with a satisfying 'thwump' over his head, “I did agree to return your towel after I reached my room, sir!”

Watching only a moment as he tried to disentangle himself from the clinging cloth, she stepped back into her room and shut the door before he caught sight of her. Securing the door with a quick series of wards, she collapsed on her bed, giggling at the situation she had just perpetuated. Tugging the soft blanket over her damp body, she waited to see if there would be any retribution for her impudence, but her wards remained untouched. Shrugging, she plopped her head down onto the pillow and snuggled in for the nap she had mentioned to Mr. Weasley. She was sorry for invading his rooms, but not that sorry...

*~*~*


TBC...

Author's Notes ~ Selena does like to play with fire, doesn't she? Hehe... Merry Christmas to any & all readers!! I hope you enjoy the latest installment and reviews would be a GREAT Christmas present ^_~* Oh, BTW, 'Come Back to Me' is copyright to the Cherry Poppin' Daddies and I don't make any claim to ownership of it.