MW 3

A/N: I don't own anything 3

A deep rumbling sound woke Megan. She had apparently fallen asleep reading the Second Year Potion's text and was covered in a blanket she didn't recognize. Her attention was drawn to the hallway outside the door where she thought the sound had come from. Quietly, she walked to the door and pressed her ear against it. She could hear two muted voices arguing, but couldn't make out any distinct words. Both voices were male, though one sounded younger than the other. Realizing that it could only be Severus and Draco, Megan quickly returned to her spot on the couch and feigned sleep. Minutes later, the door opened and slammed shut. Soft footfalls went passed her, and she heard Severus's door open and close. When she was sure that the coast was clear, so to speak, she stood and yawned, making her way to her bedroom.

A simple four poster bed sat in the middle of the far wall flanked on either side by mahogany night stands. There was a long dresser on the wall opposite the bed with a large mirror hanging over it. Megan had a feeling that it was already filled with clothing. She opened the top right drawer and found socks and underwear. The drawer next to it revealed pajama pants and slightly larger sleeping shirts. Megan took a pair of pants and a grey shirt, bringing them into the bathroom where she changed and brushed her teeth. With another yawn, she made her way to bed and slid between the sheets. She fell asleep just as she settled in.

- - -

A full week had passed before Megan worked up the nerve to sit in on Severus's First Year class with Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. He had merely quirked an eyebrow and paired her with a shy Ravenclaw boy. He reminds me of Neville, she thought to herself. She was not mistaken. The potion assigned was a basic healing potion that was nearly impossible to screw up. The poor kid was so scared his hands were shaking!

"What's your name?" Megan asked amicably.

"B-Br-Bri-Brian," he stuttered. She smiled.

"I'm Megan. Do you mind if I work with you?" she asked, hoping to give him a bit of a confidence boost. He returned her smile and seemed to calm down a bit. They were able to complete the potion, despite Severus trying to intimidate Brian. Megan let him bottle the potion and hand it in. He looked so happy that she had trusted him to take the lead and she was glad she had.

When Severus dismissed the class, he called for her to approach his desk. "Professor?" she asked questioningly.

"Miss Doe, what were you doing in my Potions class?"

"Learning, sir," she replied blandly.

Severus chuckled and replied, "You did indeed. I have Second Years after lunch. I trust you've read the textbook that is missing from my shelves?"

Megan had the decency to blush. "I'm sorry sir. I'll be sure to return it to its place," she replied hurriedly.

"No matter," Severus replied. "What you can do is come to lunch and then you will work on your own next class." With that, he exited the classroom, his robes billowing behind him. How does he do that? And why is he being so nice? Megan stared at the door suspiciously.

Since an answer didn't materialize out of thin air, Megan decided to return to the Room of Requirement, more specifically to the Room of Lost Things. She was fairly certain she would find Draco there. Sure enough, as she was heading towards the Great Hall, Draco appeared in front of her striding importantly towards the seventh floor. She paused, waiting for him to get far enough ahead of her. A hand landed on her shoulder and Megan bit her lip to keep a scream from escaping her lips. She closed her eyes and took deep breaths, trying to calm herself.

"Snooping, Miss Doe?" a silky baritone voice whispered in her ear. Megan shivered. "I believe I said lunch." With that, Severus released his hold on her shoulder and stalked towards his quarters, apparently finished in the Great Hall. Curious, Megan forgot all about Draco and followed Severus silently. He led her to their sitting room.

Severus sat silently in an arm chair. Megan took a seat opposite him on the couch and observed him. The silence, after a good fifteen minutes, became unbearable for Megan. "Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?" she asked bluntly.

His gaze met hers and he cocked an eyebrow. "Miss Doe, I am sure you are aware of Albus Dumbledore's manipulations?" Megan nodded in the affirmative. "He made it clear that it would be in my best interest to treat you differently that I had previously." He sounded almost annoyed at the old man. "While I am extremely uncomfortable with your memories as expressed to me, my gut is telling me that I should consider your information carefully. I always listen to my instincts."

"Sir, my only desire is to help. To fix what I perceive to be broken. You were asked to kill the Headmaster. I am learning what I can of this world before I return to my own, and I ask you for the opportunity to kill him myself. I know what all of the Horcruxes are, I know where they are, and I know that your Dark Lord will fall from grace. I want certain people to survive, sir. Your life, especially, is most precious to me. While I have never believed myself to be a romantic, I always found comfort in your character and I utterly detest that cow for destroying you in such a fashion. If you are to die, then it should be on your own terms and as the hero that you are. I know enough to change the tide of this war, and to free you of your masters. I will bring you redemption, Severus Snape. So help me Merlin, I will." Megan was on the edge of her seat leaning forward as she spoke passionately. Severus observed her passively.

After minutes of silent consideration, Severus replied, "Show me." Without hesitation, Megan brought to mind every word written about the Boy-Who-Lived. Severus whispered the incantation and he learned of everything Megan knew. He did not leave one stone unturned, or one thread loosened. He was thorough and exacting as Megan expected him to be, but he was also gentle. His mind touched hers as if caressing her. She felt peaceful.

When Severus emerged, he sat back in silence. Megan waited for him to collect his thoughts. "I will help you, pending a few conditions." She nodded readily. "First, you will keep this strictly between the two of us. Second, you will do everything and anything I tell you without asking a multitude of questions. Third, you do not interfere with Draco's task. Understood?"

Megan contemplated all of these for a few minutes. "I understand, sir," she replied solemnly.

"Very well. I suggest we get to class then, Miss Doe." Severus stood and walked to the door, pausing and turning back to her. "Also, within these quarters, we are on a first name basis." With that, he was gone, headed for his classroom. Megan grinned in victory and followed him out the door.