Whiskey Colored Eyes

"I don't understand." Hermione muttered. "I thought Lily was the love of his life."

Minerva snorted and her brogue thickened slightly. "There's some that would say that."

"You don't agree?"

"Lily Evans never shared his feelings. Olie worshipped the ground that boy walked on."

"Tell me." Hermione tore her eyes away from the picture to focus on her former Head of House and teacher. "The only thing I know about his childhood is that his father was a muggle and they were poor."

Minerva snorted again. "Poor isn't the half of it." She bowed her head, her voice turning sad. "Severus Snape was one of the most abused, neglected and mistreated little boys I have ever encountered in all my years of teaching. When he first arrived here at Hogwarts it just about broke my heart. He was so thin, so sad, so lost. It's true, Lily was his only friend and during their first year, they were quite close. He didn't have anyone else."

"Where did Olie come from?"

"You know, I not completely sure. All I know is that we sent Severus home for Easter break and he came back with this tiny black kitten in tow. I think he found her around his parent's house. You've never seen two kids more pleased with themselves. He and Lily acted like they had really done something special, bringing that tiny kitten all the way from Spinner's End to Hogwarts. And getting her here in one piece. You might want to check with Hagrid, I think he has a picture of Olie when she was a kitten."

Hermione smiled to herself, trying to imagine an eleven year old Severus Snape.

"Having Olie really changed something for Severus. I think it was the first time in his life that someone he loved, actually loved him back. Those two were virtually inseparable. His parents had never really wanted him home for the holidays. Never really wanted him at all." She muttered angrily. "Olie made him want to stay here. It was so wonderful seeing those two have the run of the castle with no one to bother or torment them. None of us minded, really. We all loved Olie. She was such a friendly cat, always eager for a pet. But she only had eyes for Severus. It was clear to everyone how much she loved him."

"What about summers?"

Minerva chuckled ruefully. "Exceptions where made to the normal summer rules. We couldn't possibly send her home with him to be subjected to his father and that abuse. She was allowed to stay with Hagrid over the summer holidays. It was heartbreaking to see him say goodbye to her at the end of each term. He was so glad when he finally left Hogwarts with his NEWTS and could take her with him. Then, when he returned here to teach when he was 22. Olie came with him."

"How old was he when this picture was taken." Hermione asked.

"Well let me think?" Minerva said, looking at the picture again. "Olie passed away about a year after this picture was taken. She was 16 when he lost her. So he would have been around 27. You know, Hermione." Minerva said, turning to look at her. "Severus Snape has never had a happy life. It's true; he was devastated at the loss of Lily. But when Olie passed away," She reached up and wiped away a tear. "Well, he's just never been the same. It's like any happiness or love he had in him left with her."

Minerva turned and gently grasped Hermione's hand. "Do you understand what I'm trying to tell you here? All his life, Severus has been hurt and betrayed by the people he should have been able to trust and love. Olie was the only being he could trust with his love, with his heart and with his secrets. When he saw you in your animagus form. Well maybe he thought he had found someone he could safely love and confide in again."

Fresh tears poured down Hermione's face unchecked. "Oh Minerva what have I done? I didn't know. I had no idea. He must be so hurt. He's never going to forgive me."

Minerva wrapped the girl back into her arms and let her cry.