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Chapter 10

Had it been Severus' class, he wouldn't have bothered with introductions or explanations. He mayhave expressed how high his expectations were and, conversely, how little hope he had of anyone meeting them, but that was all he felt the little miscreants really needed to know.

He wouldn't have welcomed them, wouldn't have bothered reiterating what the Headmaster had already gone over as to why the Summers girl was present, and he most assuredly would nothave asked the class to welcome the addition.

But this wasn't Severus' class.

"As you already know, Professor Summers is here to give new perspective to our current curriculum." Lupin paced slowly before the students, hands gentle clasped behind his back and a not-quite-smile giving his features added calm. "This is, uncommon, of course…"

Uncommon? Try unprecedented.

"…and, as a result, we are building a new curriculum as we progress." He stopped here and indicated Severus, who sat rigidly in the chair he'd taken as close to the exit as possible. "This is why Professor Snape has so generously volunteered his time today. Through mine and the Professors' combined efforts, we will use this time to help cultivate the most effective DADA program to date."

Severus wasn't sure if that was what Lupin had been told by Dumbledore or if he made a decision on his own to use that particular story, but it made the whole situation sound almost legitimate.

Almost, but a quick glance over the room showed at least two skeptical faces. And oddly enough, those faces were Potter and Malfoy. Who would have thought that those two would share an opinion on anything?

Not that any of the students looked exactly comfortable. Severus drew a deep breath as his keen eyes searched the room of young faces. He wondered what stories they'd heard, which side of the political werewolf fence they leaned.

After Lupin's…condition…had been exposed, the wolf had done the honorable thing and resigned from his position as a Hogwart's professor. That had been more than a year ago. It had been the right thing to do, as far as Severus was concerned. He didn't follow all of the anti-werewolf propaganda being tossed around, but he knew from experience that in the throes of the full moon, they were not a creature you wanted near.

There was a lot of prejudice against werewolves, and having Lupin leave prevented a veritable nightmare of parental squawking. Allowing him to resign also had the added benefit of getting him away from Hogwarts, something Severus would hardly complain about.

That is until the Defense replacement professor showed up the following term. There had been many times that previous year when Severus hadn't exactly lamented the wolf's leave, but in which he nearly wished his return. It wasn't because he missed Lupin, but because Moody was total fuck.

But for reasons known only to the Headmaster, Lupin's was asked to return, and actually accepted. At first Severus had thought that the old man simply wanted someone loyal to the Order in such a key position. But really there were others who fit that profile who would not create such an uproar. Or, perhaps, that was the point. The old man never tired of pushing his limits with the ministry.

And Lupin was nervous too. Severus could see it in the man's eyes as he addressed the classroom. He was expecting opposition, but didn't want it. Severus knew from their shared tenure as students that Lupin did not enjoy hostile engagement, but just as he did in their youth, he didn't exactly attempt to avoid it either. The wolf was always allowing others to dictate his life, not that Severus was one to judge in that regard.

Lupin turned and offered Severus a deceptively amicable smile. "Professor Snape, is there anything you'd like to add?"

When Severus gave a dismissive wave of his hand, Lupin turned to Summers, the same question clearly outlined on his face.

She didn't exactly answer him, but stepped forward. Severus used the opportunity to diligently observe her and found himself critiquing just about everything. She was dressed in typical muggle attire; denim, and a snug-fitting top – nothing that would stand out on the streets of London, but Severus couldn't help but note the wondering eyes of the adolescent boys who were used to their instructors and peers alike wearing bulky, loose-fitting robes.

And the boots she wore were clunky, thick-soled, and had a heel so high that he wondered how she didn't topple over. Granted, they weren't nearly as absurd as those she'd worn when last they met, but they seemed so beyond impractical that he wondered at her ability to stay upright.

Her hair, at least, had been pulled back, though even that could've been improved upon. She had it wound in a loose knot low on her head, but long strands had escaped to hang down the side of her face and across her shoulder.

No, she looked nothing like a Hogwart's professor, and while she may have gained some ogling, she would have to try a little harder to garner any amount of respect. It mattered not that her tenure was merely a cover, he understood from experience that if one was going to play a role they needed to invest everything into it or risk discovery.

When she stepped forward, he half expected her to fall. The boots really did seem a hindrance. But her gate was flush, purposeful, and even graceful. Still, he wasn't impressed. He imagined that someone of her reputed ability would need an inordinate amount of physical prowess, so that fact that she could walk without stumbling really wasn't worth commenting on.

It was her eyes, more than anything, which gave him pause. There was no real expression on her face, but her eyes seemed to take in everything and everyone without a hint of the anxiety that a new teacher would likely feel. Despite the fact that she did not look like she belonged in front of a classroom full of students - who, in all honesty, weren't that much younger than her - there was nothing in her demeanor to indicate anything other than smooth self-assurance.

Perhaps she wasn't lying when she'd said she had experience.

She made her way around to the front of Lupin's simple, oak desk and leaned casually against it. Looking out at the students, she smiled. "I know that this is very…different…for some of you, having a non-magical teacher…"

And like her eyes and her gate, her voice did not waver even when some of the students snickered at her obvious statement.

"…so, before we get started, I'd like to give you an opportunity to ask questions."

It was a quiet sort of confidence, not one that was blatant, forcing others aside. It was understated, but there nonetheless. Severus found this inexplicably annoying and wondered what he could do to shake that poise.

Her steady gaze slowly moved across the room. When no one moved to ask anything Severus felt his lip twitch and waited to see how their silence might affect her resolve. If any group of children were capable of making a person's confidence waver, it was the combined force of Gryffindors and Slytherins.

But nothing about her, not the way she stood nor the glint of her eyes, gave any indication that she was nervous. In fact, as the room continued on in silence, the look on her face became incredulous.

She cleared her throat. "So, for the first time ever,a non-magical person is working in Hogwarts teaching a class that is all about learning how to defend oneself against magicand no one has any questions?"

After another moment of silence, Summers shrugged. "That's too bad, 'cause I'm chock full of enlightening, unmagic wisdom."

And just as she was about to proceed, a hand raised tentatively into the air.

The insufferable Granger girl, of course!

Summers offered a gentle nod and a soft smile as Granger stood and introduced herself. "My name's Hermione Granger, ma'am, and I was just curious as to...well, I guess I was hoping you could tell us how it is that…um, what types of skills, as a muggle…"

The girl's mouth snapped shut as she seemed to consider her next words carefully. Severus felt a small jolt of satisfaction to see Granger stumble over her words - it wasn't something that happened often – though it would have been preferable had he been the one to cause her discomfit. To Severus it was obvious what Granger wantedto ask. It was also obvious that she was attempting to find a non-offensive way to do it. He leaned back, suddenly enjoying the show.

Granger took a deep breath. "It has been my experience that magic is difficult to counter without…."

If Summers won't make this reasonably entertaining, there are always foolish Gryffindors who might.

But Granger's uncharacteristic stumbling had a rather unexpected consequence. As Severus look around the classroom, he noted a couple of heads bobbing in agreement. Forget that Granger hadn't actually managed to complete her sentence, apparently there were others who were equally curious to hear the answer to the barely posed question. Even his Slytherins seemed interested; one of them more so than the others.

Severus' found himself focused on Draco. The expression on the young man's face was neutral; the only possible emotion was a barely notable hint of disdain. But the fact that the child was even watching the new, young professor – and watching her closely - was very telling.

Draco met Severus' eyes for the briefest of moments before the young Slytherin looked back towards the front of the classroom and sneered. "While I'm loath to admit it, Granger has a point. You can hardly expect muggles or their methods to hold up against magic."

Lupin stepped forward even as Summers' eyes snapped towards the Slytherin side of the classroom. "That's enough, Draco."

But Buffy raised her hand, silencing Lupin. "No, he has a point. And I doubt he's the only one thinking this." She spoke to Lupin, but her eyes never wavered from the blonde.

She nodded at him with her chin. "What's your name?"

With a tug of his robes and a face full of arrogance, Draco stood, and bowed graciously. "Draco Malfoy."

Buffy nodded, though it wasn't so much in acknowledgement. Severus got the distinct impression that she was sizing him up. "Let me ask you a question, Draco Malfoy." She looked out over the sea of students. "And this is open to all of you. When you're in a duel with another wizard, what is it you're trying to do?"

There was some murmuring amongst the children, though none answered right away.

"It's a simple question, kids." Buffy's tone wasn't harsh or even condescending, but it made it clear that her question wasn't rhetorical.

It was Granger, inevitably, who finally answered. "It really depends on the type of duel, ma'am, but I suppose, ultimately, the goal is to win."

Buffy spun in her direction, a smile picking at the corner of her mouth and Severus realized that there was some unknown purpose behind her inane question. Despite himself, he leaned forward.

"Win. Right. But how do you do that? What specifically are you attempting to do?"

Granger looked perplexed and even mildly annoyed, but true to her nature, she attempted a response. "There is no exact answer for that. There are so many variables and, therefore, no precise spell that shouldbe administered. I would need more information, such as, with whom I'm dueling and the given rules and…"

Buffy waved her hand, successfully cutting of Granger. "I need you to think in broader terms. What is the most important thing that you can do when in the middle of a confrontation in order to gain the upper hand? What do you do to win?"

Granger thought for a minute, chewing diligently on her lip, brow furrowed. It wasn't often that a question stumped her, and she obviously took issue with the fact that this one did.

And when the answer came unbidden from the opposite side of the room, Granger's let out a small huff of displeasure.

"You disarm them."

Summers turned once again towards Draco and beamed at him as she nodded her head. "Exactly, Draco. A wizard's strength is in his wand. You take that away, and you win."

Draco shot a smug look over at Granger who now looked more than a little perturbed, but Summers either didn't notice the brief exchange or, more likely, didn't care.

She began pacing, once again, in front of the classroom, her boots making dull thuds on the floor. "I'm going to give you a scenario. Imagine that you find yourself face-to-face with a couple of older, more practiced witches or wizards who want nothing more than to bring you hurt. Wands are drawn and, as Draco Malfoy pointed out, you're going to attempt to disarm them."

She stopped her pacing and faced the room full of children fully. "But the real deal is this: they're going to try and do the same thing and, thanks to the older and wiser bit, they'll be the ones celebrating in the winner's circle and getting green, juice-like beverages dumped on their heads."

This brought a derisive chuckle from a few of the students, though most look understandably confused. Potter, on the other hand, seemed to take interest for the first time during her lecture, head shooting up, frown deepening.

"So, the bad guys have your wand. From what you've told me, this means game over. What do you do?"

There was more muttering and one student shouted, "You run!" followed by a low wave of laughter.

"Laugh if you want, but if the situation allows for it, running is always your best bet." Buffy shrugged. "It sucks how often that's not an option, though. And that's why I'm here. It's now my job to show you what to do when you don't get the other guy's stick-o-magic. I will teach you what to do when your weapon is gone and you can't run."

Severus looked out over the classroom and noted a shocking number of students looking interested, and even a few - Potter included - who appeared eager. So easily convinced…

Summers was just about to step back when Draco, likely emboldened by the fact that she had, up to this point, entertained his attitude, spoke up once again. "It's a waste of time. There are no muggle methods, barbaric though they are, that are effective against magic. Everyone knows that." Feeling very smug indeed, Draco looked to his friends who anxiously nodded their agreement.

Again, Lupin looked as though he were about to intervene, but Buffy was quick to step in. She stalked slowly over to where the young Slytherin sat. Once she was standing in front of his desk she tilted her head to the side and regarded him. "I think a demonstration's in order. Any volunteers?"

Her voice was calm, but oddly menacing. And though Severus doubted that Draco understood why, the young man's sneer faltered and he unconsciously leaned back.

She was clearly offering a challenge, and about the time Lupin seemed to be considering an intervention, Summers spun on her heels, green eyes barely sparing Severus a glance before they settled on the wolf. "What say you, professor? Are you up for it?"

The question seemed to throw Lupin off-guard. He clearly hadn't considered such a notion, at least not for the first day of class. But he recovered easily enough, and even seemed fairly open to the idea. "I think a demonstration would do well to help introduce the students to your methods. Perhaps Professor Snape…."

"No!" Buffy disagreed so quickly that Lupin's eyes shot open even while Severus' narrowed. Lupin looked as though he wanted to question her, possibly even argue, but before he could make a move to do so, Buffy moved towards him and leaned over to whisper in his ear.

Severus hadn't a clue as to what she said, but it took no time at all before he could admit to himself that he certainly wanted to.

The initial expression on Lupin's face when she'd approached him was simple confusion, but as she spoke in tones so hushed that not even a low, whispered hum could be heard, that look was quickly replaced by absolute shock before settling on mix of stony resolve and acquiescence.

By the time she was finished speaking to him, she laid a gentle hand on his arm and smiled; a gesture he returned in a sincere, if uncertain, way.

Clearing his throat, Lupin turned towards Severus. "Perhaps, Professor Snape, you could ensure that our demonstration is contained."

Severus didn't bother responding, but readied his wand to shield. Part of him wanted to refuse the wolf's request – not because he thought shielding unnecessary, quite the opposite, but out of habit. However, his mind was focused on something else altogether. Never had he been so curious about a whispered conversation before, and he couldn't even begin to speculate as to what she had said to cause such a myriad of emotions to flitter across the wolf's face.

Unfortunately, he doubted either would willingly confide, and before he could think on it too long, Summers clapped her hands once before turning back to the classroom. "Okay, kids. Professor Lupin has agreed to help me show you all what it is you're going to be learning."

When the two turned to face each other again, they stood on opposite ends of the room. There was an air of anticipation, and the students, though subdued, were clearly excited. It wasn't every day that they were privy to a duel between two of their professors.

Severus, too, felt some eagerness, but for very different reasons. Summers had unwittingly made it very easy for him to gain great insight into what, precisely, a Slayer was. It was why he was there, after all, and might make sitting in on future classes unnecessary.

Summers appeared no different facing her opponent than she had facing the classroom, at least on the surface. Severus noted a tightening of muscles in her back and legs that belayed the general coolness of her demeanor. She looked casual, but the Slayer was ready to pounce.

Not that this was at all intimidating. Lupin had probably been hit with bludgers that weighed more than she did.

Whether Lupin noticed the Slayer's shift in countenance, Severus doubted. The wolf shifted from one foot to the other, but eventually pulled his wand from his sleeve and moved into a standard dueling stance. He looked awkward – uncomfortable even - as though he sincerely did not wish to take part in Summers' demonstration.

What had she said to him?

The Summers girl, on the other hand, looked neither awkward nor uncomfortable. She did look somewhat like a sitting duck considering what was about to happen, but the truth was that Severus could not say with any certainty at all how this might turn out.

Mild-mannered werewolf versus diminutive eradicator of earthbound demons? Even if Severus had been a betting man, this was one wager he'd probably pass up.

"Okay, Professor, I need you to attack me."

Lupin took in a deep breath and, if possible, looked even more unsettled.

"It's okay, Remus. You won't even get close." The words, the way she stood with her arms crossed, the wholly nonchalant look on her face…it was all sheer arrogance. Had Severus been in Lupin's position - having her be so clearly unconcerned about a duel against him - nothing under the sun could have held him back from unleashing a nasty string of hexes on her, sitting duck or not.

Except…

There was an awareness, a spark…that same tension he'd noted before. She may, for all the world, have been acting as though she had not just asked an armed wizard to sling a hex at her, but her muscles were primed to spring.

Lupin, apparently, wasn't spending so much time analyzing the her behavior. At her words, he managed to toss her a look that was both uncertain and stoic, but he didn't look insulted at all. And if Severus had to guess, he'd say that the wolf's reluctance came from the fact that he was too damned chivalrous to throw potentially harmful spells at a seemingly unarmed woman.

But, without another moment of hesitation, Lupin waved his wand around his head and shouted: "Stupify!"

There was a mass intake of air as the students waited with supreme anticipation to see what, exactly, their muggle professor would do. How would she be able to repel a spell without an actual deflecting charm? For magical children such a concept would be difficult to conceptualize.

But it was a lazily executed spell; slow, obvious and without luster. Therefore, it was no surprise to Severus when, in a quick motion, Summers stepped to her right allowing the spell to zip past her and collide harmlessly into Severus' shield where if fizzled into nothingness.

Disappointment rippled through the room, and more than one exasperated sigh could be heard. When Summers moved back to her original position, she looked almost annoyed. "Come on, Professor, you can do better than that."

Lupin looked a little sheepish, but only paused for a moment before raising his wand again –this time with only slightly more conviction – and pointing it at his opponent's legs. "Locomotor Mortis!"

With a little more effort, Summers jumped, but she was still easily able to avoid the curse. This time when she landed, her hands were on her hips, and when she spoke, her voice was laced with derision. "If you're planning on making all of your attacks so obvious, this could take a while."

The wolf finally seemed to get the point, and before the snarky words were even fully out of Summers' mouth, he started throwing hexes, this time with less caution.

There was only one thing Summers could do to avoid the abrupt, if not unexpected, onslaught…she ran. There wasn't too much room in the classroom, but she managed to avoid three consecutive spells simply by being fast.

"There are three things that are important to note here, class." Summers nearly shouted, as she dropped to the floor, avoiding an immobulus charm as it whizzed overhead.

"First…" She pushed herself up with enough force as to get back up on her feet. Once there, she quickly ducked a Petrificus Totalus. "A moving target is much harder to hit."

She spun then, snagging a chair that had been placed next to Lupin's desk – presumably for her to sit at – using it to shield another hex before tossing it aside.

Lupin finally seemed willing to duel in earnest, sending a nearly constant string of spells. It was not an easy thing for any witch or wizard to manage for any length of time, and within moments sweat began to bead on his face. Here, however, being a werewolf worked in Lupin's favor, having slightly more tolerance and significantly more stamina.

Severus eyed the duel critically. Summers was making no attempt to attack Lupin. He supposed that this went with what she had told the class – defend yourself, get away, and other such nonsense. But occasionally as she moved, he got the distinct impression that she wanted to take a more offensive approach. When she tossed the chair, for example, Severus had been certain that she was ready to hurl it at Lupin's head, but her muscles relaxed in that last moment, and it got tossed lazily to the side.

She was holding back, but to what extend?

With a heavy but determined breath, Lupin shot a stinging hex. It was a good shot, and Summers had to quickly shift momentum so as not to get hit.

"Second…"

She threw herself out of the way, ducking as she did and forcing herself into a roll. When she was upright once again, she ran straight at Lupin. He obviously hadn't expected her directness, and the action momentarily threw him off guard.

"Never underestimate the power of surprise."

He sent another Stupify at her as he recovered from her sudden rush, but the shot was too slow.

Never breaking her moment, Summers knelt as the spell rolled towards her. It looked as though she might take the brunt of the spell head-on, but at the last moment she sprang in the air, ducking her head and doing a mid-air summersault, bringing a wave of delighted gasps from the students.

Lupin, too, seemed surprised, though he recovered quickly enough. Projecting where she would land, he readied his wand. It was obvious from his stance that Lupin had expected Summers to end up on the floor in front of him. But Severus had a better perspective, and wasn't at all surprised to see her land solidly on the desk; a quill falling victim to her descent.

But as soon as her feet touched the surface of the desk, she spun in a circle, grasping the heavy drapes that hung just within reach and looking every bit like a classical dancer. "And third…"

With a sharp tug, she pulled the curtains from the rod. The substantial fabric fell with unexpected ease, singing into folds around her as she grasped it with both hands. She quickly knelt to avoid another curse, before snapping the drapes taut. They made a surprisingly loud cracking noise, like a thickly braided whip, causing several of the children to start.

Without breaking stride, she jumped from the desk and straight into another flip. Severus waited for more gasps, but none came. He quickly realized that this was not an occasion for gasps, but for bated breath. Simply jumping into a front-flip is impressive to behold in nearly any manifestation. But about the time Summers was fully inverted – mid-air – she was also sailing smoothly over Lupin's head.

Quite a feat by any standard.

And had that been all, perhaps there still would have been animated cries from the classroom, but at that moment, as she was flipping through the air and over a man's head, she was also wrapping the drapes around him, successfully covering his eyes, nose and mouth while simultaneously plucking the wand straight from his grasp.

And she landed with barely a whisper from her unwieldy footwear.

"Anything and everything can be used to fight. Or…you know…defense."

Stunned silence seemed all that the students could muster.

But it only lasted a moment, and the stillness quickly melted into excitement. It had been unexpected, but the children obviously thought the show to be brilliant. There was little to speculate, at least for the most of them – they were pleased with what they'd seen and eager over the prospect of learning such feats for themselves.

Severus wondered at their loud musings. As Summers unwrapped Lupin and returned his wand; as Lupin good-naturedly congratulated Summers, looking oddly relieved at his loss, Severus' wondered how.

How, exactly, did Summers plan on teaching dexterity, stealth, and running front-hand springs? Evidently she hadn't thought of that.

Her actions and reactions had been fast and precise, but not outside of the scope of possibility. Unlikely? Maybe, but not impossible.

But still…

If Severus reallythought about it, the whole of it had been a fairly standard display of athleticism that probably wouldn't even get a person into the muggle Olympics.

Yet, for Summers, it had been as effortless as flowing water. Yes, that's what was different. It was that little observation which did not sit well with the Positions Master.

The classroom, as a whole, seemed to have enjoyed what they saw, though it was three reactions in particular which stood out to Severus.

The first was that of Draco, who had gone from smug indifference to barely concealed delight. The way he now watched Summers made it clear that she had made more than a light impression him. Severus cringed as he wondered what the boy would relate to his father.

The second was Granger, who, as she readied her things to leave, would toss an occasional, thoughtful look at her new instructor. Thoughtful, with just a hint of misgiving. Clearly Summers display didn't sit well with the overly observant girl. This made sense, seeing as she would better understand the capabilities and limits of typical muggles. Combine that with her tenacity, and Severus knew that it wouldn't be long before the girl started asking questions.

The third was Potter. His interest in Summers was now completely peeked, and not unlike Draco (though in a decidedly less subtle manor) his eyes followed her everywhere. What was less clear to Severus was why, exactly, Potter had taken such an interested. It was likely that he simply didn't know how to feel about it, but knew that he'd just witnessed something significant.

If only the boy knew.

As the class dispersed and Lupin called out the week's assignment, Severus found himself with a lot to think on. In particular, he wondered once again what it was that the Summers girl had said in her whispered conversation with the wolf. Had she flirted? Made some inappropriate remark?

No, surely something so mundane would not have caused such a reaction.

He considered several scenarios, quickly rejecting each as unlikely. But as his thoughts were so thoroughly occupied, he barely noted Summers wave her goodbyes to Lupin. He hadn't even realized she was leaving, in fact, until she was moving directly towards him.

She would have to walk by him to leave, he'd made certain of that when he stupidly chose to position himself next to the bloody exit!

He hoped that she'd ignore him. Yes, that would definitely be his preference. Though he supposed that they still had some type of confrontation looming. He hadsent her into the Forbidden Forest after all.

He tensed as she neared, feeling all of his defenses click into place with each sound of her obnoxious heels. Tump goes the mask of indifference. Thump goes the sneer of displeasure. Thump goes the sharp tongue.

And as she reached him, just as he was ready to jump up and tell her how stupid she was to take his advice in the first place…

She walked by.

If possible, Severus' brow furrowed even further. He was puzzled, for certain, for in his brief encounters with Summers she had not come across as the type to avoid conflict. Actually, he would have thought her eager to let someone know when she was displeased.

Surprising as it was, Severus merely shrugged it away. He never considered himself a man of fortune, therefore, when something unexpectedly pleasant occurred, his first reaction was to question it.

His second reaction, however, was to simply be relieved.

Yes, one day Severus would relish the opportunity to verbally douse the tiny Slayer, but today he was more than happy to put it off.

And so his shoulders relaxed as he let out a breath. And just before he stood to leave for his own classroom…

…Summers reappeared, bouncing back through the door to stand directly in front of him.

It took everything in him not to jump at her sudden reappearance. And when he looked at her face, - for, sitting as he was, made them nearly eye-level - expecting to see anger, or in the very least annoyance, she merely smiled. A broad smile revealing perfectly aligned, perfectly white teeth. A disarming smile.

"Hey, I forgot to thank you for helping me out the other night."

Severus knew what she must have been referring to, but for the life of him her reaction was such that he couldn't bring himself to reconcile the words she spoke with the topic.

And damn me for so quickly letting my guard down!

"I…I beg your pardon?" He could have kicked himself. Even as the words left his mouth he felt like an utter dolt for having said them.

"A place to run? The wooded area to the east? It was perfect…exactly what I needed to, you know, blow off a little steam." She rolled her shoulders. "I just get so…edgy. And sometimes I just need…." At that moment her eyes shifted to meet his; they seemed brighter, the green more vivid then before. "…a release."

Severus fought to react, or maybe notto react. At the moment, he knew he was gapping like a bloody fool but he couldn't for the life of him think of how he was supposed to respond. She could have done anything – screamed, yelled, attempted to break his nose. All of that he knew how to deal with. But this…whatever thiswas…he hadn't a clue as to what he should do with that.

"Anyway…" She said, head tilted slightly, silken hair tickling her collarbone. "I just wanted to say thanks." And with that she gently poked the tip of his nose with her finger and walked out of the room leaving Severus wondering what in the name of Circe had happened.

"She certainly has a way with words, doesn't she?"

Severus' head shot up to see a rather amused looking Lupin sitting at his desk, but he didn't bother to respond, so muddled were his thoughts. What had she meant by thanking him? By poking his damned nose?!

With a silent huff Severus rose to leave and, as he did so, he made eye contact with the one and only Harry Potter. The boy was on the far end of the room packing away the last of his belongings, which meant he was too far away to have heard any of his one-sided conversation with the Summers girl. But just the same, the boy was staring daggers at not only Severus, but at the doorway through which the Slayer had just gone.

Severus glared right back. Great!Severus thought as he stood and marched out of the classroom, paying no mind at all to Lupin's call of gratitude and well wishing. That boy thinks his bread pudding is suspicious, I wonder what he'll think of that little interaction?