AN/ Thank you to Eli for reviewing! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Chapter 8: Pumpkin.
Wendy inhaled sharply and looked at her Professor. They were walking in stride with one another - her more reluctantly - making their way towards the Great Hall for breakfast.
She'd woken up to Snape towering over her in an intimidating manner, then informing her of what would happen today. She was to eat her breakfast in the hall where he could watch her, and then she was to wait for him outside so he could see her off to her first lesson. The moment it was lunchtime, she was to head down to the kitchen and eat the lunch that Betty had prepared for her. When it came time for her Potions lesson, she was to keep her head down and not talk to anyone, and he wouldn't pick on her for an answer. Then, when it was time for her Duelling lesson, Wendy had to stand at the back and - again - not talk to anyone. Finally, she was to wait for him after the lesson, where they would go to his quarters, and she would tell him everything.
Not everything. Never everything.
Wendy was too exhausted to argue. I want to go back to sleep. Her mind was busy figuring out what information to tell Snape, and she would have to learn quickly to lie properly. I'm not telling him that I saved his life, twice. That was a no-go subject, so was the whole Almighty One complex. He doesn't need to know about that. However, she could tell him about the accident that led her to be here in this time.
I will tell him that I experienced my first burst of magic when I was - unfortunately - holding a time turner, which evidently sent me forward in time. Even though going forward in time shouldn't have been possible. She was debating whether or not to tell him that her burst of magic may have been down to panic.
A dangerous clan of wizards were attacking the cottage when it happened...killing my mother. She shook her head as they walked into the Great Hall. He led her over to the end of the Ravenclaw table, so she was close to the high table, and in clear sight.
She hesitantly sat down. Nobody looked her way. What a surprise.
The food appeared before them, and her stomach jumped in excitement. It smells glorious. She bundled everything around her onto her plate and gazed at it gleefully.
Ding Dong.
Immediately, her body stiffened. Why do I always act so shocked? It's just Betty going into the Domain. She felt his eyes on her but didn't bother to look in his direction. He's never going to leave me alone now.
However, she wasn't entirely miserable that Professor Snape was to be a constant figure in her life for the time being. He had proven himself to be compassionate in a sense after spending the weekend nursing her back to reasonable health. He'd taken the news of her mark marginally well and comforted her while she panicked - I could tell the comforting part was something he hated.
Nevertheless, I'm grateful for it.
Wendy grabbed her fork, licked her dry lips, then picked the bacon off her plate. The moment it touched her lips, a voice made her pause.
"You're in my seat."
She turned to look over her shoulder at a prissy looking redhead. She was flawless from head-to-toe and would be more pretty if she didn't have a bitchy look on her face. Her lip curled in disgust, and her brown eyes zoned in on her.
The bacon was so close to being inside my mouth.
"Move!" She snapped, waving her hand at Wendy like she was a peasant.
Once more, she could feel Snape's eyes on her, but this time, she could feel their heat all over her body. He's listening...I don't have the energy to argue.
"Are you simple?" She giggled. It sounded more like a squawk.
Wendy frowned at her plate, then looked around the long table. It doesn't look like there's anywhere else to sit. She gently placed her fork down and got to her feet.
A pain pricked at her head, sensing it was a warning from Snape, she sat back down.
"I said move! These people aren't your friends!" Wendy looked at the people ogling her and tried to swallow the lump in her throat.
Usually, her tigress side would've risen, begging to be let loose on them; however, that part of her had been pushed away for a long time. I don't know if I'll ever be able to shift again. The pain in her head had eased as Snape retreated from her mind, but he was still watching them.
"Move!" Her hand came down on her shoulder, causing the most inhumane growl to rumble from her lips. People stopped eating their meals to turn towards the sound.
Oh, bugger. The tigress is still within me.
"There you go, milady," Wendy got to her feet, bowed mockingly; gesturing to the seat. "Would you like me to feed you as well? Maybe, wipe your mouth when you chew with your mouth open? No, not enough? How about I follow you to the bathroom to clean your godforsaken arse after you've done your business?"
Retreat. I repeat. RETREAT.
"Miss Nottingham, don't you think you've terrorised the girl enough," Snape appeared behind her, making everyone return to their conversations. She pinned him with a glare, which was no match for his, but she could see the mild humour in his menacing eyes.
"Bullying isn't tolerated at this school," The girl innocently fluttered her eyes at Professor Snape, who scoffed in response.
"Do shut up."
A few laughs followed as Snape led her from the Hall. When they were far enough away to no longer hear the noise, he turned on his heel to glare at her.
"Next time you will do your best to keep your mouth shut and eat your food!"
Merlin, she was tempted to reply sarcastically, how can I eat my food if I have to keep my mouth shut? Luckily, she valued her life.
Wendy's confidence faltered, and her eyes fell to the floor. "S-Sorry, sir."
"Your breakfast has been moved to the kitchen. I won't be able to see you off to your first lesson, so make sure you get there," Snape explained, and she nodded. "When you go to the kitchen for lunch, eat everything the house-elf gives you, and take the potions. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir," She bowed her head, and his robes brushed against her as he left. She straightened her back in time to see him walk back inside the Great Hall.
Today sucks.
…
Lunch had been successful as were her earlier lessons. Wendy was beyond exhausted, and it showed on her face, but she continued to soldier on through the day. She was taking a quick break in the courtyard, flicking through some of her Potion notes.
Merlin, the potion Professor Snape gave me at lunch is making me more drowsy.
Her eyes scanned over the piece of parchment trying to breathe in bits of information. Despite knowing all of the things written down, it was still good to refresh her memory. I need to decide what to do after I finish my seventh year.
Wendy had no idea what was waiting for her beyond Hogwarts, and she didn't want to find out. The Ministry had taken care of her father's will, effectively leaving her with nothing. She hadn't expected much to be left for her, but she resented that she was left here without nothing.
But, the memory of my father is enough. I can close my eyes and see his face if need be.
One thing Wendy wouldn't do was go to the Headmistress' office. No thank you. She could cope with seeing memories of her father; she couldn't bear the thought of seeing his portrait. It wouldn't be the same as talking to him in person. I don't think my heart could take it.
Fortunately, the last time she'd been inside the office was the day before he had died. She remembered that day very vividly:
"Father," She looked over the top of her book at her dad; who was settled comfortably behind his desk, staring at her. "Why are you looking at me like that for?" His face tightened, but there was sadness in his eyes.
"You look just like your mother," He said, coughing to clear his throat. "Beautiful."
She blushed. "Thank you."
"She would be proud of you pumpkin. You're at the top of your classes and heading towards a bright future," He took a sip of his tea. "A true Ravenclaw."
"I know you had wished me to be in Gryffindor," She closed her book and placed it on the desk.
"At the time it seemed inevitable that you would be put there, but you truly are your mother at heart," It pained Wendy to see her father look so lost.
"What's wrong?" She moved her chair closer to his desk and leant forward on her elbows. "Father?"
"I love you, dearie."
"I-I know, and I love you too," He reached out and took her delicate hand in his old one. "Daddy?"
It was rare that she ever called him 'daddy', it was a formality used in times of innocence; but she was terribly worried about him right now.
"My dear, it seems things may become harder from now onwards. However, I need you to stay strong for me. Do you promise?"
"I promise," Tears stung her green eyes. "Daddy, please tell me, what's wrong?"
"Nothing pumpkin. I'm just having one of those days," He gently released her hand, then got to his feet. "I have some business to take care of this evening. You should return to the Domain."
She got to her feet and walked over to the door with him. Before she opened it, Wendy quickly turned and hugged him. "I love you, daddy."
She felt the tear fall onto her head. "I love you too, pumpkin."
Wendy blinked the tears away from her eyes and wiped at them with a sigh. She used the sleeve of her robes to remove the tears from the piece of parchment. Bugger. With a sigh that turned into a sob, she got to her feet.
"Wendy, right?" Her mood promptly changed when she looked over at Ron Weasley. It was only a matter of time before he turned up.
"Yes," She muttered. "I'm a bit busy."
"Are you going to the library?" He asked, chasing after her when she walked off.
"No. I have Potions in a few minutes," Wendy flung her long robes over the front of her body when he kept walking into them.
"Oh, well...Could you meet me afterwards?" He asked bringing her to an abrupt halt.
"What do you want?" She growled.
"N-Nothing!" He waved his hand in front of him. "I just have something I'd like to ask you."
"Then ask me! Stop dancing around the question!" She did her best to intimidate him as Snape would, but she couldn't quite do it.
Maybe Professor Snape didn't tell them. He's yet to kill me for assaulting him, let's hope he's choosing to forget about it.
"Er...we should talk in private," Weasley shifted uncomfortably. "My questions are rather personal."
Wendy looked down at the book in her hand. I should clunk him over the head and leave. She moved to raise the book, but the sharp pain in her head returned; she turned to look at Snape. He was casually walking down the corridor, yet his eyes fixated on her.
It brought a shiver to her spine.
"Shouldn't you be in a lesson Mr Weasley?" His voice resembled a rumble of thunder.
"Ha...er...Bye!" He fled down the corridor and out of sight, leaving her behind to be scorched by Snape's eyes.
"Did you tell them!" She snapped.
"I'm going to assume your outlandish attitude today is down to your circumstances at the moment," He stared into her eyes, forcing her to look away.
Wendy gulped. "Did you t-tell them?" Merlin, I sound pathetic.
"If you're referring to your true heritage, then no I did not, Miss Nottingham. I'm aware my past may lead you to believe not to trust me, but your secret is not one I would share without your permission."
I feel bad now. He looks seriously offended.
"Oh," A twisted look appeared on his face. "That explains your childish outburst in the corridor. Kicking a teacher Nottingham, are you four years old?"
Her mouth fell open ready to retort, but he waved his hand to silence her.
"Get to your lesson."
