So here is the start of the new series I'll be writing. I'm not exactly sure how this will go but I know how the first segment in the series will plan out so hopefully we'll have a good three of four chapters before I begin to have trouble :P

End chapter of Crash Landing coming up soon and planning a little present for Christmas day so keep your eyes peeled

This story fills out the gaps I left in Christmas & Chess. If you don't want to, you don't have to read it, but this part begins after Minerva settles herself to play chess against the seventh year Severus. Enjoy!

Two games down and Minerva was shocked by her companion's abilities. She had never played anybody who could beat her at chess, not genuinely. She often played with Albus but he always got distracted and was easily beaten. She doubted she'd ever even seen his best game play, if he even had an 'A' game. But this young man had succeeded in beating her in the first match. He spent a lot of time thinking about his moves, but not so long as to bore his opponent. His moves were intelligent, well thought out and strategic. She had managed to beat him in the second game and, as he conceded defeat, he tipped his head to her with the slightest ghost of a smile on his lips. That was the largest smile she had ever seen on his face.

The pair immediately set up for another game, keeping their colours as they had the previous game, replacing pieces on the board once they were handed back to their owners. It was only when the board was set up and Minerva was about to make her first move that she noticed their surroundings had changed. Her hand hovered over her left knight as her eyes glanced around the hall.

All studying students had now vacated the hall and the few who remained at the school for the holidays were heading to their house tables for dinner. Had they been playing that long? Time had flown past without either of them even noticing. She let her hand drop to her side and smiled at the boy opposite.

"It seems we lost track of time, I'm afraid we shall have to finish up so we can have our dinner." She watched him look around before nodding mutely.

His nimble fingers swiftly scooped up the wooden pieces and replaced them in their box. The box looked even more worn than the board. The wood was worn away in several places, revealing the lighter under colour of the inner layers. The latch looked like it had been fixed several times, perhaps even more times by magic. One of the corners had a crack that spread across the lid of the box but hadn't yet split apart. Although it looked like it wouldn't be long before it would have to be repaired again.

"Thank you for the games." He murmured quietly as he folded the board and laid it in its place. He placed the box atop the books and drew his wand. "I had best clear these away.. Before dinner starts."

She watched in silence as he waved the ebony wand and shrunk the books to a manageable size. He had them in his arms before she wished him farewell and rose also.

"Perhaps, Mr. Snape, we could play again sometime? Whenever you are not too busy with your studies, why don't you visit my office? After dinner perhaps, I will make sure you get in no trouble for the late hour movements."

She would simply say she was giving him extra tuition to help him achieve his utmost best in his exams. But in truth, she wished for a companion that wasn't Albus or the likes of Pomona and Rolanda. Whilst she loved Albus, he tended to witter on about nonsense to do with whichever muggle sweet had taken his fancy this week. And the female members of staff were more like a gaggle of giggling school girls than educators. This boy offered a more intellectual tilt to her evenings. If he showed.

Severus lifted the last few books into his arms and considered her offer for a moment. She could almost see the thoughts flitting through his mind. He was clearly a loner, not one who enjoyed being around too many people at a time, if any at all. She could relate to that, at heart she far preferred to be alone. But he was also painfully quiet, and also rather shy. He would have continued to sit on the bench in silence, playing against himself if she hadn't have come over to speak to him.

"I will think about it, Professor." He nodded and was gone before she could even think of a response, let alone say one. She sighed softly to herself and watched him walk briskly out of the hall. He would be back soon to have his dinner so she had best get ready for her own. A flash of black robe disappearing around the corner signified his departure from the hall.

Minerva smoothed out her robes and headed for the staff table, just in time to see Filius walking in to take his seat early. She smiled fondly at the man who greeted her cheerfully. Within ten minutes the rest of the staff had taken their seats and the students had settled into theirs. It was easy to see the seriously depleted numbers of students when they were all grouped in such a large toom but her eyes kept drifting to just the one.

Over at the Slytherin table Severus Snape was sitting alone once more. His nearest neighbour was a good five feet away and facing the other way, talking to her friend. He seemed used to it though, playing with his food a little as he remained lost in thought. He had eaten very little, if anything at all.

She was sure there was something about the boy that would become important in the future. He had an odd air about him. But for now, turning back to her dinner, she hoped that one evening this week he would offer her a game of chess.

Tadaa! Hope you liked it, second bit should be out before new year, if not, soon after!