A/N: Welcome to my story! I hope you enjoy it. I'm obsessed with Severus Snape, so this is for all of my fellow Snape lovers. I have a habit of trying to redeem characters. Just as a general warning, this story contains dark themes, such as child abuse, PTSD, and self-harm. I will try to put up warnings whenever they appear in a chapter, but I may forget at times, due to being excited about posting the story. Use your own judgment when reading this story.

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Prologue

The soft sounds of a bubbling cauldron and knife hitting wood were all that could be heard in Severus Snape's private quarters. The Potions master sat, one eye on the potion he was brewing, the other on the ingredients he was prepping. So focused was he on his task, that he almost missed the breeze and accompanying flash of light that indicated the arrival of a familiar bird. Annoyed, he sighed and looked up. Sure enough, Fawkes the Phoenix sat, perched on top of one of the cabinets. The bird's mouth opened, and Albus Dumbledore's voice came through.

"I apologize for the inconvenience, but an urgent matter has arisen. I require all staff members to be present in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, immediately. This is NOT optional. I expect to see all of you in five minutes."

With a flash, Fawkes disappeared. Severus stared at his potion, displeased. What could possibly be so damn urgent?

Knowing it was in his best interest to obey the headmaster's summons, Severus stood and dawned his cloak. Turning on his heel, he exited his quarters, robes billowing out behind him, casting a silent Stasis charm on his potion on his way out.

Five minutes later, he entered the already full Defense Against the Dark Arts room. Remus Lupin sat at his desk, conversing with Pomona Sprout. Filius Flitwick was chatting with Minerva McGonagall, who nodded to him in greeting upon seeing him. Severus spotted Sybill Trelawney out of the corner of his eye. Sybill out of her tower? Albus was serious, then.

"Attention, please." Albus stood in the center of the room, hands raised for silence. The small talk died fairly quickly.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice," he began, eyes sweeping the room. "Again, I do apologize for the inconvenience, but a matter of the utmost importance has been brought to my attention. As you know, letters were sent, and visits were made to our potential first year students. One such visit was to a child living with Muggle relatives, who is blind."

Whispers swept through the room at the last words. Albus waited for them to cease before continuing.

"I am telling you this now, so that you all may prepare yourselves, and your classrooms, for the arrival of a blind student. I am fully aware we have not had a blind student in many, many years, however, we managed then, and we will manage now."

Severus stood from his perch on one of the desks, glowering at Albus.

"Headmaster, how do you expect someone who cannot see to perform the already very dangerous task that is Potions making?"

Albus turned and studied Severus. "That is not my question to answer, Severus," he said. "Surely, you will find a way. Or perhaps, you would like me to search for a better equipped Potions master?"

Severus scowled. Albus knew where to strike. Glowering, he spat, "There is no better Potions master."

"Very well then," Albus replied, eyes twinkling. "I trust you will figure it out, Severus. As will all of you." His eyes scanned the room. The staff nodded, some murmuring their agreements.

"That will be all," Albus said, and the room began to clear. "Severus, a moment?"

Severus remained standing, arms crossed across his chest, scowling at the headmaster. When everyone had cleared out, he spoke. "What is it you wish to speak with me about, Headmaster? Care to insult me again?"

Albus smiled. "Now Severus," he said, "you and I both know that you are a very capable Potions master. Do you doubt your ability to teach?"

Severus shook his head. "My ability to teach is not the question. It is the ability of a blind student to learn an already very dangerous subject."

Albus sighed. "I am sure you will figure it out, Severus. However, that is not why I asked you to remain behind."

"Then why?"

"I do have a favor to ask of you, Severus."

Severus narrowed his eyes and stared at the headmaster.

"Minerva visited the student in question, Haley Kent, and upon discovering she was blind, immediately returned to inform me, so that I may alert staff to the circumstances. She did not have time to take Miss Kent to Diagon Alley."

"You think I should be the one to escort her?" Severus stared at the headmaster, eyes narrowing further in disbelief.

"Yes, Severus, I do."

"Why?"

"Because, Minerva suspects something was off about the family, and I would like you to be the one to investigate."

Severus gave Albus a questioning look.

"Severus, please," Albus said. "There may very well be nothing wrong. Minerva could, and most likely is, overreacting, but you are the person who can detect if something is the matter. You, of all people, know what to look for."

Severus scowled. "Don't remind me of my past."

Albus tilted his head. "That is not my intention. Please, Severus."

Severus sighed. There was no use arguing with Albus. It would get him nowhere. His best course of action would be to obey, and take the Kent girl to Diagon Alley. He was certain Minerva was overreacting. Always the one to make assumptions, that lion.

Then again, what if she was right to assume? Could he really live with himself if something was wrong and he did nothing to help? NO! There would be no repeats of his childhood. Albus was right. He knew what to look for. He only hoped he wouldn't find it with the Kent girl.

"Inform the Muggles that I will be there at noon, tomorrow."