Snape sat in an armchair next to the fireplace reading when he heard the creak of a door. Tirza came out of her room and sat Indian style in the chair across from him without her usual bounce. "Hi," she said softly, No smile lit up her pretty face this morning. "Thanks for the medicine, it worked real good." He nodded. "Why don't we go to the kitchens and get something to eat?" He had skipped breakfast, wanting to be there when she woke and it was nearly 11. "Not hungry." Tirza's eyes still had that haunted look and Snape wanted to shiver. "You need to eat."
Tirza completely ignored him. Knowing now why she had frequent and sudden changes of mood tried Snape his best to be patient with her. Dumbledore had been right, she truly was delicate. "Well at least come with me to get something to eat. You might change your mind." She rolled her eyes and folded her arms across her chest. Snape tried to think of another way to persuade her and chose the first idea that came to his mind. He suddenly stood up, grabbed her and set on her his shoulders. "I've captured you so now you must come with me." At that she giggled. "Dude, your not gonna make a horse noise are you?" "Why would I do that?" Snape asked her. She groaned. "Never mind." Snape started down the hallway. "I'm not really your prisoner, ya know. I could escape very easily." "Really?" She patted his head from her perch on his shoulders. "Yep." "How would you accomplish that?" he asked. "Like this," Tirza started tickling his underarms. Snape, distracted by her tickling, loosened his arms around her legs. She jumped down and began bouncing. "I'm free! Freedom baby! Woo hoo!"
Snape suddenly felt the urge to tickle her and starting walking towards her. Tirza laughed and took off running down the hallway. Tirza ran past Malfoy and his goons in her Cinderella nightgown with Snape close on her heels. "Hey, isn't that the little girl that beat you up?" Crabbe asked Malfoy. Malfoy slapped him. "Shut up!" Tirza looked behind her and stuck her tongue out at Snape. "You're in trouble now little miss." She looked ahead of her and ran into Ron. "Sorry, gotta go!" She got up and took off, leaving Ron still on the floor with him, Harry and Hermione watching her run and saw Snape bolt past them. Tirza's spill had cost her; Snape caught up to her and tickled her tummy. "Oh my god!" she squealed with delight. He grabbed her up and slung her over his shoulder. "Now you are my prisoner," he told her. Tirza giggled as he carried her down the hallway. "Was that Professor Snape?" Ron asked. "I. think so," Hermione said uncertainly. "All I know is that was scary," Harry added as he shook his head.