Dagger Collector

Chapter 21: V Day

Jadis furrowed her brow at the owl that had just dropped before her. Who the hell is owling me? She wondered with a furrowed brow. No one ever owled her, except on the extremely rare occasion that her parents remembered that they had a daughter. However, as she stared at the unfamiliar owl, Jadis guessed it wasn't them. They would have sent an extravagantly beautiful owl or exotic bird. She'd noticed her mother had a preferences for snow-owls, too.

"Who's that from?" Matt asked, though it was a bit hard to make out what he was saying considering her had a mouthful of toast. Jadis shrugged as she slowly reached out to untie the letter from the owl's leg before it got impatient with her.

"Matt don't talk with your mouthful!. Its rude," Pam whispered as she turned red, just as Jadis gave the unknown owl a a piece of toast so it could take off. Turning the envelope in her hand, Jadis furrowed her brow. The envelope was pristine white with golden swirls to decorate; her name was written in a fancy script that seemed too perfect too really be anyone's penmanship. However, the thing that confused Jadis most was that apart from her name, there was nothing else on the envelope, no indication as to whom it was from.

"It doesn't say who its from. Should I open it?" Jadis asked, looking across the table at the two blonds for advice. Matt, who was still stuffing his face started nodding and trying to talk while Pam gave him a look of complete embarrassment. It made Jadis feel amused about how his behavior mortified Pam, but she still managed to love him beyond measure.

"I don't think you should Jadis, if you don't know who its from it might not be very pleasant," Pam said when she was able to tear her eyes away from her betrothed. The concern and worry in Pam's eyes made Jadis feel a little paranoid. What if she's right? What if someone is trying to cause me harm with this by having put a jinx on it or something? Jadis wondered as she looked down the table towards Velma. However, Velma seemed to be in a deep conversation with a boy next to her and had her back to Jadis at the moment.

"Oh, don't be such a coward. Aren't you curious who is sending you a letter or what its about? Because in case you haven't noticed, its Valentines day. Maybe its a love letter," Matt pointed out when his mouth was finally free. However, he almost choked on what he had not finished and he had to chug down some juice while Pam patted his back while shaking her head.

"I completely forgot it was Valentine's Day," Jadis said as she looked at the envelope with renewed interest. Suddenly the beautiful envelope and writing seemed to take one a whole different meaning. But who would send me a Valentine? Her curiosity getting the better of her, Jadis carefully opened the envelope. She was startled when a couple of white rose buds burst out of the envelope, littering her and the table. Furrowing her brow, Jadis pulled out the fancy parchment which matched its envelope to see what all this was about. As she stared at the embossed, black, fancy writing, Jadis felt herself grimace and suddenly glaring at the letter. "It's my stupid cousin's wedding invitation. Her wedding is this summer. Merlin she's desperate to get married, I thought she would at least be engaged for a year."

"Geeze Jadis, envious much? Or are you disappointed its not a profession of love from a certain someone," Matt teased while wiggling his brows at her, earning himself a glare that made him shiver. "I'm just joking," he said, raising his hands in surrender. However, Jadis' glare did not cease. Clearly, he pressed the wrong buttons at the wrong time. "Did you hear this weekend is a Hogsmead weekend? I thought I should tell you that Pam and I have made plans for V-day. Sorry mate. But I'm sure you can find something to do," Matt went on hurriedly, turning sheepishly to his plate, wishing to distract Jadis from her anger.

"Yeah, don't worry about me," Jadis replied as she stuffed the stupid letter in her pockets and tried to brush away all the stupid rosebuds from herself. However, her skin was beginning to prickle. Looking up her eyes were inexplicably drawn to the high table and soon clashed with dark eyes which were narrowed intensely on her. From where she sat, Jadis could feel his anger and she felt the blood drain from her face at the way he was looking at her. She recognized the darkness there and felt a shiver suddenly run through her. Shit, he must've seen the letter and roses and thinks that someone is trying to woo me.

"I will see you guys later," Jadis said suddenly as she looked at her friends and got to her feet. She couldn't bear the way he was looking at her. She all but ran out of the Great Hall and to the library, where she felt she would be safe from him. He has double potions this morning. He can't come after me, Jadis thought as she plopped down in her usual nook with some of Binn's suggested reading on her favorite topic of late.

Jadis spent the following hours engrossing herself in her reading. However, she couldn't shake off the feeling that Severus' gaze had provoked in her. Though she loathed to admit it, the intensity of his gaze frightened her. So to the point that as lunch rolled around, she was afraid to leave the library and even be in the crowded Great Hall with him. But he can't do anything to me, I shouldn't be freaking out. I'm not even talking to boys! Jadis tried telling herself to soothe her fear.

However no matter how much she told herself this, she found she could not move. She knew that to Severus that really didn't matter. The truth was beyond his prejudice, he was blinded by his perceptions. The fact that there was no one in her life would not matter. In his mind there was someone in her life, and that would be enough for him to seethe, boil and begin to make her life impossible once more.

This only reinforced her fear. As lunch started to come to its end, Jadis wondered what she was supposed to do. Apart from her wand, she didn't have anything she would need for Defense Against the Dark Arts. As she now had a free period before Defense, and had been the case for months, she normally would have gone to fetch her bag before lunch, but considering how Severus had looked at her that morning, that was not an option. The dungeons were off limits if he was nearby. And she couldn't well go now. Defense was soon to start and the risk of running into Severus was too high.

Sighing, Jadis got to her feet, clutching her two new research acquisitions to her chest as she needed more time with them. I suppose I just have to go to class unprepared, Jadis decided with a grimace as she made her way down the halls towards Defense. It didn't take her very long to make it down to class. When she walked in, she she was not the the first in class, nor among the first. "Where you been, Jadis? We missed you at lunch!" Matt said loudly as Jadis took her seat behind him. Professor Lupin looked and smiled slightly at her, though his brows seemed to furrow in concern, probably because he overheard Matt. Jadis merely returned the smile before turning to Matt and Pan who were staring at her.

"I lost track of time in the library," Jadis replied with a shrug as she sat and put the books she had borrowed from the library in her lap, not wishing anyone to know what she was reading. She felt like she had only just taken her seat when the bell rang, signifying the start of class. "Where is Velma?" Jadis asked as she leaned towards her friends, who were still turned and looking at her. Jadis thought it odd of Velma to miss Defense, despite how the girl felt towards their Professor. What do I care, better for me! Jadis thought until recalling the fact that she didn't have any materials.

"She had an accident in one of her classes. Fanny Weathers says she's in the hospital wing with a concussion," Matt whispered back while chuckling, turning in his seat to face the front of the class. By now Professor Lupin had already started class. Despite her predicament, Jadis couldn't help but smirk at Velma's misfortune. She deserves it.

"Being as tomorrow you have Hogsmead trip and I know you are all swamped with NEWTs work, I have decided to give you this period to work on your essays, which you all know are due next class," Professor Lupin said with a mild smile. This proposition was immediately met with applause and cheers. However, Jadis bit on her lips. She really did need to work on that essay. She hadn't even started it yet. But how am I suppose to do that without my books, any parchment or a quill and some ink to write with?!

"Hey, I didn't have time to get my things. Let me borrow a book, parchment and stuff to write with," Jadis whispered as she prodded Matt on the back. Matt pulled out some parchment and handed if over as the rest of the class rustled for their own materials. Pam, who was the only person Jadis knew who carried at least five separate quills and ink bottles with her, immediately handed a quill and inkwell over. "Thanks," Jadis whispered, though she was still in need of a book.

"I think the book is going to be a prob Jadis. You know I like to share with Pam, so we only have one with us," Matt whispered with a sheepish smile as he turned to look at her. Jadis nearly smacked her forehead as she remembered this. Why does Matt have to be such a fool? She wondered miserably to herself. Sighing, Jadis did the only think she could think of and raised her hand.

"Yes, Jadis?" Professor Lupin asked immediately. Jadis was surprised when she found that he had been watching her and that he still bore a concerned expression, though he tried to conceal it from the class. It made her wonder why he was worried about her. What did I do?

"I was wondering if you didn't have an extra text somewhere in the class. I forgot mine," Jadis said, the end of her sentence dragged out of her like someone were yanking a tooth. Jadis could hear a couples people snickering at her. She wanted to roll her eyes at this. Aren't you all supposed to be working? She wondered scathingly. For the most part, many of them had stopped in their shifting around for their things and their work to pay attention to the unprepared Slytherin. The only ones who hadn't were her friends and of course the Head Boy and Girl, both of which had only bothered to shake their head at her.

"I'm sorry Jadis, I don't have any extras. Perhaps you can share with someone," Remus went on as he looked around for Jadis. Jadis felt a sinking feeling at this. Without having to look around, she knew who the only person she could share with would be. Being as there was an uneven number of Gryffindors, and being as the Head couple, and the twins, were inseparable, that left only Oliver Wood. A candidate that made Jadis despair, even if he were willing to share. "Oliver, would you mind sharing your text with Jadis?"

Oliver Wood was not anymore pleased by the prospect of sharing with the Slytherin. However, Jadis didn't know if it was the Gryffindor nobility in him or just the fact that his recent Quidditch victory put him in a better mood, but he merely shrugged his broad, burly shoulders. "No, Professor Lupin. I can share with Luna," he replied, trying to keep his tone very polite. To Jadis, it sounded strained and forced. She wanted to say that was okay but she was fine, however, the smile that Professor Lupin gave her made her feel that that would be very ungrateful of her. Thinking it was best to just get this over with and knowing Oliver would not budge, Jadis gathered up all her borrowed things and moved to the empty seat next to the Quidditch captain.

"Thank you," Jadis murmured under her breath as she set her things down, once more placing the books from the library in her lap. Jadis tried to ignore the looks of disapproval from the Gryffindors and the amused gaze of Matt. She was at least relieved, however, that the rest of the class had gone back to work.

"I didn't really have a choice in the matter, Luna. You don't have to thank me," Oliver replied a little haughtily, but in whispered tones so as not to disturb the rest of the class. Jadis grit her teeth and gave a side-long glare to Olver Wood. Being as they were in the two rival houses, this behavior was to be expected. But for as long as Oliver had been on the Quidditch team, Jadis found him a little more insufferable than other Gryffindors in their year. His pride in his house was exalted by his passion for the team and his competitive nature made it all the worse.

"I was being polite, Wood. I would expect a Gryffindor would know what that is seeing as your is supposedly the house of chivalry and nobility," Jadis whispered back, ending her sentence with barely concealed sarcasm. Typically, she really had nothing against Oliver Wood. She found him easy enough to ignore him as she only really saw him in the classes they shared and typically, Wood tended to be pretty intent on his work in class. However, it was like simply instinct to spar verbally when contact was necessary. Jadis wasn't sure why.

"Look Luna, I am practically done with this essay. You can just use my book, I will work on something else," Wood suddenly said, pushing his open Defense book towards Jadis. Jadis looked at the boy and scowled at him as he rummaged through his bag for other work to do.

"Why didn't you just tell Professor Lupin that in the first place? You could have just lent me your book and I wouldn't have to be over here dealing with you," Jadis snapped at him under her breath as he put his things one the table. Has he really had that many bludgers to the head that he couldn't think of that?I mean I'm sure he doesn't like the idea that I am over here anymore than the rest of his house mates!

"Yeah, like I am going to trust a Slytherin with my personal things," Oliver replied sarcastically without even looking at her, his Scottish accent becoming thicker. "Now if you don't mind I would like silence, I actually care about my work," Oliver went on haughtily as he opened what Jadis recognized as the Potions text. She had forgotten that Oliver took Potions. For a moment, she felt a twinge of envy that she could not take Potions. Though she loathed to admit it, nothing could substitute for being under Severus' tutelage. She could look through her own text all she wanted, it wasn't the same as having hands on experience with Severus' specific instructions, which she noticed first year were slight different than those the textbooks provided.

"That's a laugh," Jadis said under her breath as she turned to Olivers book and turned to the page that she needed. She really needed to get started on this essay.

"You don't know anything about me, Jadis. I may love Quidditch, but its not the only thing I care about. But what would you know, you don't care about anything. You're just another rich, spoiled, pureblood who has had life handed to her on a silver platter," Oliver whispered harshly through gritted teeth, his hand pausing on his parchment and causing his ink to bleed on the paper. He really hated when people thought they had him pegged down, especially stupid Slytheirns.

For a moment, the anger in his voice and the fact that he called her by her first name disoriented her. I really don't know much about him, what right have I to judge him? She thought for a moment. However, it was only a fleeting and evanescent moment. Gone as fast as it had come. Instead her anger flared up at his own assumptions about her. Rich, spoiled, pureblood? She seethed to herself for a moment, almost balling her hands in fist.

"You know know anything about me either, Oliver. I may be a pureblood and my family may have money, but you have no idea what kind of a hateful hell I grew up in. I have a new flash for you, Olly, money and status aren't sure-fire ingredients for happiness. It's never made me happy," Jadis hissed lowly at him in an ardent and bitter tone. "Next time I suggest you shut your trap about things you have no clue about, because I can assure you if you say anything so ignorant to me again I will permanently shut it for you."

Oliver turned to look at Jadis with a furrowed brow. However, she seemed to be done talking and was writing furiously on her parchment. For a moment, Oliver studied Jadis' face, really taking a look at her. Her anger and honesty really stunned him. The anger he could see in her eyes, thought he could only see her profile, was real and deeply rooted within her. He knew the anger was probably a mask for all the pain she had to feel. Turning back to his own work, not wishing to stare too long, he wondered what he really knew about Jadis apart from her status.

Looking down at his lap, he thought back on their years at Hogwarts. He knew she tended to be rather lazy when it came to her school work, but he also knew she was brilliant, something he only grudgingly admitted to. He knew that apart from Matt and his intended, she didn't have any friends to speak of. She was really a loner, despite what she wanted to portray. However, other than that, he knew nothing but what she had just revealed, she wasn't happy and her home life was her personal definition of hell, whatever that may be he wasn't sure.

Oliver felt his stomach churn suddenly with guilt and sympathy, something he never thought he would feel for a Slytherin. However, he supposed Jadis was unlike many Slytherins. Turning to look at her once more, he wished to apologize, but he wasn't sure he could really do that. Instead, his eyes caught sight of the title of one of the books in her lap, and he felt curiosity. "A History of Lycanthropy and the Ills Wizarding Society Has Imposed on the Afflicted? Why are you reading that?" Oliver suddenly blurted out, causing Jadis to jump. Immediately, she took leather-bound book in her lap and flipped it so only the blank back cover was visible.

"What do you care? It really isn't any of your business," Jadis snapped as she cast a look around hoping no one had heard. Fortunately, it seemed most of the class was engrossed in their work. With the exception of Matt and Pam who seemed more engrossed in each other than on their essays. As for Professor Lupin, he was equally occupied in his own work. Jadis guessed that he had once more fallen behind on his essay grading, and that that was the true cause for this free period. Jadis had seen many other Professors do the same in the past when they were swamped.

"Merlin Jadis, you act like you are reading restricted material. It was a simple question, I was just curious," Oliver replied lightly. Jadis turned to look at him and was surprised to see that his brown eyes were watching her in benign amusement and interest. "So you are interested in the injustices committed against werewolves?"

"If you must know, yes. I think its cruel and unconscionable the way these poor people are marginalized. Happy?" Jadis snapped under her breath in exasperation. She didn't see why he cared. Is he just trying to get under my skin today?! Why? I don't think I have ever heard him talk to much, least of all to me!

"You're full of surprises, aren't you Jadis?" Oliver asked with a smile, recalling the way she turned her back on Snape so magnificently in class and the way she had defended Lupin. Can't really be so bad, can she? Oliver thought. Jadis furrowed her brow at this, feeling even more disconcerted. She had never had a Gryffindor smile at her, much less Oliver Wood. Sure they'd smirk, sneer and laugh at her when they could, but not SMILE. Before Jadis could think of anything to say in response, Oliver turned with a shake of his head back to to his work, giving it his full attention and saying no more.

Trying to get a grip, Jadis turned and tried to do her essay. Don't pay him any mind. He's just a Gryffindor. Not to mention a guy. All guys don't many any sense, Jadis tried to rationalize as she slowly got back into the flow of her work. For the rest of the class, the two seventh years worked in silence along with the rest of their classmates. By the time class was over, Jadis had finished at least half of her essay. When the bell ran, she unconsciously closed the Defense book and pushed it over towards its owner, before placing her essay in one of the library books.

"Remember, your essays are due next class," Remus called out as everyone bustled around getting ready to go. His eyes wandered around for a moment until he spotted Jadis. For a moment, he watched and wondered once more at the fat that she had come to class unprepared. That struck him as rather odd considering she had never come to class unprepared before, and it had been quite some time since she had been late or seemed distracted in class. He found it rather concerning.

"I'll see you around, Jadis," Oliver said with a small smirk as he slung his bag onto his shoulder. Jadis frowned as she watched the Quidditch captain leave. What, does he think he can call me by my first name now because he lent me his book? He's got some nerve, Jadis thought with a grimaced. However, she didn't have too much time to think of this as she soon head a familiar voice beside her.

"Had fun with Wood?" Matt asked with a smirk as he and Pam stopped before Jadis, putting a small inflection in the way that he said Wood. Before Jadis could respond by hitting Matt, she heard someone call out her name. Turning her gaze to the front of the class, Jadis looked at Professor Lupin questioningly and waited for him to go on. She was a little surprised when he asked her to stay after class. However, she merely nodded.

"Thanks for lending me this," Pam said as she handed back to quill and inkwell. "I'll catch up with you guys later," Jadis said, to which they only nodded and followed the rest of the class out. Turning around and holding both books securely at her side, Jadis slowly walked up to Professor Lupin who stood waiting for her at the front of the class. "What did you want to talk to me about, Professor Lupin?" she asked politely with a small smile.

"I noticed you came very unprepared to class today, that isn't very like you, Jadis. I was just wondering if you were all right?" Remus started off gently as the last of the class exited, the last person shutting the door behind themselves. However, Remus had his attention entirely focused on Jadis and didn't care much for anything else. The befuddled expression on her face made him wonder if perhaps he were making more of the situation. "It's just I overheard Matt say you didn't eat lunch either. I am just a little concerned."

"It's nothing Professor Lupin. I just lost track of time in the library today. By the time I noticed how late it was, I didn't have time to get to the dorm and fetch my things," Jadis replied, trying to sound reassuring. However, she could see the look of skepticism in his eyes, and a somewhat hurt look seemed to enter his eyes. He didn't believe her, she could see that. Sighing, Jadis looked down at her feet. "I'm trying to avoid... him. He saw me get the invitation for my cousins wedding and since its Valentine's and it was accompanied with a burst of roses, I think he suspected that it was from a boy. He wasn't happy about it and... I was afraid to go near the dungeons."

Remus furrowed his brow deeply at this. He found it so odd that Jadis could be afraid of Severus. And the idea that Severus could so jealous and possessive, sufficient enough to strike terror in someone, completely threw him for a loop. However, this brought to mind the night she hid from Severus in his office. With all that happened that night, he had completely forgotten to ask her what that had been all about.

"But Jadis, you have been avoiding him since the night you hid in my office," Remus said as he looked at her with a furrowed brow. Once more, Jadis sighed. She really hadn't wanted to talk about this. Turning away, she walked towards the first desk and turned to lean on it. Looking down at the floor, she hugged the books in her right arm to her chest and bit on her bottom lip. How do I explain this without making him think I was hiding it because something is going on with Severus?

"Well that was a separate issue. I had to serve a detention and he had it arranged so that I had to serve it with him, he said it was to help me. We had a bit of a discussion about it because I didn't like that he was interfering with my life again and I ran off. I suppose he had more to say because suddenly everywhere I turned, there he was. So I started to avoid him. That night I ducked into the nearest room because I knew he was coming. I know all he wanted is to justify his behavior, and I just want him to leave me alone," Jadis explained with a last, heavy sigh.

Remus wasn't sure why, but he felt odd pangs running through him. She's been in contact with him again? He wondered, feeling the wolf inside him growl in anger as he balled his hands into first. However, his anger was soothed as he looked at Jadis hugging her books to herself and staring at the floor. Though he felt he was a fool for believing her, he did believe that she was being honest when she said she just wanted Severus to leave her alone despite knowing that she still had lingering feelings for him. Sighing himself, Remus walked over and stood beside her, leaning against the desk as well.

"Jadis... there is something you can do to make him leave you alone," Remus said delicately, causing Jadis to look at him with a furrowed brow. Seeing the questioning look in her big, dark eyes, Remus wondered if she could not fathom what he was getting at. Merlin, she really is a sweetheart. It's probably never crossed her mind to harm the man who broke her heart, Remus thought with renewed vexation and yet with a deep fondness towards the Slytherin girl. "Jadis, you could always go to Dumbledore," Remus said softly, feeling that he knew what her reaction would be and fearing it.

Jadis felt her eyes widen. Shaking her head fervently, Jadis backed away from him for suggesting it. "I could never do that to him, I don't care what he's done. I'd sooner leave the school than do that to him," Jadis said in a tone louder than she meant to use. Remus shut his eyes feeling that he had probably made her feel betrayed. You're such an idiot. How could you suggest she turn in the man she loves? Of course she's going to hate you for that, Remus thought with self-loathing and an overwhelming sadness.

"I'm sorry Jadis, it was a foolish suggestion. I just wanted to help, but I can think of a way to free you of him," Remus aid apologetically. However, he could not bear to look at her. He didn't want to see the loathing she must feel for him in her beautiful gaze. He couldn't bear the thought that he had just pushed away the only person to accept him since he was a student at Hogwarts. Besides, though he couldn't admit it consciously, it pained him deeply to see how much more Severus still mattered to her in comparison to everything else, despite what he had done to her.

However, his tone immediately made her anger wane. He looked so defeated again and he sounded so remorseful. Jadis frowned deeply at this, wondering what on earth she was doing to him. Wondering why she seemed to have such a devastating effect on him. She hated to see him look so down-trodden and to feel that it was because of her. It broke her heart. He only wanted to help, that's all he ever wanted to do for her, even though she didn't deserve it. "I know Professor Lupin, and I really appreciate everything you have done for me. You have shown me a lot of patience and understanding, I don't know what I have done to deserve that. I am very grateful that you are here this year, I don't think I could have made it through without you. You have become my greatest confidant," Jadis said a smile as she placed a comforting hand on the crook of his arm.

Remus smiled and patted her hand for a moment. However, he didn't think it wise to gaze at her quite yet. Instead, he sighed and looked forward. "This year has been more than I expected when I accepted the teaching position. But I am glad I've had the honor to get to know you. I think despite the circumstances, you are helping me keep my sanity," Remus said with a smile.

Jadis giggled at this, causing Remus to look at her questioningly. "Professor Lupin, haven't you figured this out yet?" Jadis asked with a great smile of amusement. Remus furrowed his brow, not knowing what she meant. His befuddled look made Jadis laugh some more. "My dear Professor, sanity is a myth. The mere fact that people believe in its existence is only further proof how insane human beings are. Everyone's a little crazy, everyone knows that!"

"You are something else, Jadis," Remus aid with a fond smile as he shook his had. The great smile on her face and her suddenly light airs really astounded him. Her eyes were sparkling merrily as he had never seen before, there was not a trace of sadness and he was really taken by her beauty in that moment.

"I know Professor, I know."

TBC...

A/n: Ok so hope that everyone enjoyed the chapter. There may be a bit of a wait for the next one considering I haven't even really started even working on it. I have like the begining written, but that was more like a draft. So I don't know when the next update will be. Anyway, please review and tell me what you think.