Time passed as it always does . All classes were going well except for History of Magic. Miss Hudson was worse than ever after professor Snape rejected her. She yelled and lost her temper at least five times a class on count . For Seraphina, it was immature behavior, but she tried hard to ignore it . Severus had similar thinking , but he couldn't blame Jane like Seraphina could . He had joined the Death Eaters to win back Lily's affection . He had no right to judge anyone especially after what he had done , so he did what he knew best--ignore Jane's hateful stares and keep as far from her as possible .
Nobody in the school knew about the proposal drama that had happened in the corridor between Batman and Miss Jane . Seraphina hadn't uttered a word to anyone about it. She didn't want her professors to be the hot topic for gossip . After all, love and choosing the correct life partner is a personal matter. She didn't want everyone discussing such a sensitive matter and passing judgement on Batman . So, she buried yet another person's secret in her heart .
A beautiful Sunday arrived yet again at Hogwarts . When the last sun-rays of the day kissed the heartland, students were on the school grounds talking , sitting and enjoying the dying sunlight . Severus had no time for idle sitting and chatting . He was already having a bad day. The homework students submitted was horrible except for a few students who actually cared enough to listen to him in the class, and far worse, Jane had almost thrown a tantrum in Albus' office that morning for no reason at all . One thing was clear, he was in a bad-no horrendous mood--unwelcoming enough that he would take away a lot of house points if any student even crossed his path right now .
He walked by the empty corridor of the huge castle when a raucous creaking interrupted him . He scanned the corridor for any student, but it was uninhabited, however a big gate appeared in front of him where a bare wall had stood a few seconds ago . He knew what it was--the Room of Requirement . But it opened only when a person badly required something unavailable to them . So why did it open for him? He didn't needed anything more than a strong fire whiskey right now . He opened the door silently to look inside and knew what the Room had for him. Expecting a goodly bottle of fire whiskey, he was taken aback by what he saw and especially what he heard . A girl was sitting on a high wooden stool, her back facing him . Her arms moved persistently . The room was filled with the enticing music of a contrabass and a pulchritudinous voice complementing it . A girl was singing in front of Severus in the Room of Requirement, and he liked it. The divine voice was mesmerizing. Severus felt bewitched by the voice. All he wanted to do was listen to her for eternity . Fire whiskey , Jane , anger , and the students slowly faded away from his mind . The girl was singing something he had never heard before, but it was the most beautiful music he head ever listen to in his life . Leaning against the wall, he listened to the girl singing.
Will the faithful be rewarded?
When we come to the end
Will I miss the final warning?
From the lie that I have lived
Is there anybody calling?
I can see the soul within
And I am not worthy
I am not worthy of this
Are you with me after all?
Why can't I hear you?
Are you with me through it all?
Then why can't I feel you?
Stay with me don't let me go
Because there's nothing left at all
Stay with me don't let me go
Until the ashes of eden fall
Will the darkness fall upon me?
When the air is growing thin?
Will the light begin to pull me?
To its everlasting will
I can hear the voices haunting
There is nothing left to fear
And I am still calling
I am still calling to you
Are you with me after all?
Why can't I hear you?
Are you with me through it all?
Then Why can't I feel you?
Stay with me don't let me go
Because there's nothing left at all
Stay with me don't let me go
Until the ashes of eden fall
Don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go
Don't let go
Why can't I hear you?
Stay with me don't let me go?
Because there's nothing left at all
Stay with me don't let me go
Until the ashes of eden fall
Heaven above me
Take my hand
Shine until there's nothing left but you
Heaven above me
Take my hand
Shine until there's nothing left but you.
The melodious tune ended; the mesmerizing voice wasn't falling on his ears anymore , but it didn't seem as if he even noticed it fade away . He was still bewitched by what his ears had just listened to . As the music faded away, he was soon back to his normal self , his bad mood dissolving away . Wanting to know who was the possessor of that beauteous voice, he clapped his hands softly in appreciation , wanting to grab her attention . The girl turned, facing him , a startled expression on her face at the sight of him . It was Seraphina . Her small face scarlet as she jumped off the stool, straightening her clothes as she stood in front of him . One thing was clear to Severus; she hadn't been expecting anybody to be listening to her. They both stood like that for God-knows-how- long when Severus spoke . His deep , cavernous voice filled the room .
" That was beautiful, Miss Barclay, " complemented Severus .
" Thanks, Professor Snape," she replied, her head low with embarrassment.
Sensing her embarrassment, he spoke, " You sing very melodiously, Miss Barclay, and it was the most beautiful music I have ever heard in my entire life. "
" Oh... I am not that good. This song is very beautifully soulful in itself, " she replied, blushing furiously.
" That may be true, but you sang it with your heart, I have to say. "
" Thanks, Professor. "
" Well, how did you find this place ?" he asked, realizing that she must have wanted the contrabass so badly that the room had provided her with it .
" Actually, Professor, one day I was on rounds after hours when suddenly the door appeared out of nowhere on the wall. When I entered it, there was a contrabass lying on the floor for me to play . So, I started coming here everyday to play and lighten up my mood, " she replied shyly. "I wanted to ask you one thing, Professor--I hope you don't mind "
" Yes, Miss Barclay? "
" What was your requirement ? "
The Room of Requirement had opened to him , he found Seraphina inside with a contrabass. Was Seraphina his requirement? The thought struck him . No this couldn't be possible her music had calmed him. it was her music that he required badly , he thought .
" Ummmm... maybe I needed some good and heartwarming music, " he replied hesitantly .
She nodded at her professor's answer .
Holy jinxes Batman listened to her singing .
" So, you like playing instruments? " he asked .
" Actually, my parents wanted me to learn the contrabass. They both were great patrons of music," she replied, looking at the large contrabass she was holding.
" They were...?" he asked hesitantly .
" They are no more, " she replied silently, still trying to avoid any sort of eye contact .
" I am so sorry for your loss, Miss Barclay. " He regretted asking her the question .
He saw how it saddened her . For the first time in the month since her arrival, he saw her looking sad . She was usually the one spreading warmth and happiness , lightening the mood . He wanted to know with whom she was living now, but he couldn't bring himself to drag this topic further .
"I think I should leave now. Good night, Professor, " she spoke .
" Good night, Miss Barclay. Can you tell me when will you come here again to sing? " he asked . He instantly regretted saying it , the girl looked confused .
" Why, Professor? " she questioned hesitantly .
" I liked your singing; I just wanted to hear more of it. "
" I don't know when I will come next, or when it will open up for me , but I may owl you if it's okay? " she asked, her eyes watery .
" I'll wait for your owl. "
They both left the room and went their own way . As she headed in the opposite direction from him, he saw her hiding her face , but his eyes still caught the sight of the small tear rolling down her cheeks .
Severus wanted to regret his words, but his heart didn't felt like doing so . He wanted to listen more to her very badly . Now there was only one thing he was looking forward too , her owl . But he had made her cry, and that thought tormented him.
ልረልክ
Batman was such a gentleman . She was surely not half as good as he claimed her to be . But the owl thing bothered her. Was he joking or was he serious? She rubbed the lonely tear which had managed to escape her eyes as she thought about her professor, Batman.
ልረልክ
Halloween knocked at the doorsteps in no time . The Headmaster was hosting a costume party to promote Wizard-Muggle relations .
Severus had to attend another boring , childish , non-sensible party . Albus asked him to wear a costume, too , but he clearly indicated that he would by no means wear a costume and make fun of himself in front of the students .
Excitement was in the air at Hogwarts . Student chatted constantly about what they were wearing for the party . Almost everyone was certain about what they were going to wear except for Seraphina . She tried many transfiguration charms to make something innovative for her but despite being a Ravenclaw she failed to conjure up with a outstanding dress from the Halloween party . So, now only one day was left for the party, and she was without a costume . Sitting at the prefects' table eating her breakfast, she wondered if it would disappoint Headmaster Dumbledore if a prefect was not in costume . While she was busy guessing the Headmaster's reaction, four owls came flying in the Great Hall with a big , brown, square package and dropped it in front of her . A letter was also brought by another owl . Seraphina quickly charmed the box to shrink and put it in her pocket, not wanting to grab any attention and started reading the letter .
Dear Seraphina ,
How are you ? You didn't wrote a letter in a long time . How's your new school ?
Well, I sensed your uncertainties about a costume . Don't worry, I have sent a beautiful one for you. Wear it, and the boys will be flattering to you . No need to thank me for it. Do send me a photograph of you in it .
With lots of love,
Yours lovingly ,
Rajnandani Kumari
Rajnandani was her uncle's wife . She was a very sweet princess--literally . The gifted witch belonged to the Indian royal wizarding family . She had a gift no other wizard had. The Princess could sense the uncertainties and fears of others . It helped her a lot while facing the Death Eaters' attack nine years back .
"So, what was that box for? " Elenore asked as they walked towards the Potions class .
" Nothing. I just got my costume for the party. "
" What seriously?! What is it? please show me! "
" No, you'll see it at the party. "
Elenore couldn't protest further because they had reached their Potions class .
Seraphina was eager to see what her aunt has send her, too . After attending all her classes, she almost ran to her dorm . Locking her room, she took out the small box and placed it on the bed . Pointing her wand towards it, she charmed it back to its original size. Tearing off the brown paper, she opened the box . A note was placed on top of the fabric . Picking it up, she read it.
" This is what an Indian princess wears. "
Wow! She would be wearing an ethnic Indian dress for the party . Inside the box was a It was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen in her whole life . She was excited for the party for the first time in a long time . since it had been announced
ልረልክ
Looking at himself in the mirror one last time, Severus walked out of his chamber towards the Great Hall where the party was going to be held. As usual, he was clad in black--nothing much different from what he wore everyday . As he reached the hall, he saw students in all sorts of costumes. Walking briskly towards Albus and Minerva, who were also in costumes, he greeted them .
" Good evening, Albus and Minerva. "
" Good evening, Severus, " both replied together .
" So, who are you dressed up as Severus? " teased Albus .
" Myself, " snapped Severus .
"and a flawless rendition of you, if I do say so myself." teased Albus , his eyes twinkling from behind his creasent moon glasses as always .
The evening started . Everyone was dressed up in costumes and were treating themselves to loads of sweets . Severus' eyes scanned the hall for someone , but she wasn't there . While looking for her his eyes fell upon girl entering the hall . His eyes widened at the sight before him . He Seraphina wearing something he had never seen before long, pink skirt which flowed from the waist to the floor with a magenta-colored, sleeveless top covered her chest and a little bit of her upper torso leaving her waist bare . A piece of heavily embroidered net was also there to be hung over the shoulder. The rest was left bare--a feast for the eyes. Wearing light make-up with her black specs placed on top of her nose , her hair was tied in a messy yet tidy bun . He couldn't believe his eyes. She was wearing something so bold, yet so elegant . She was always beautiful, but not exceptionally so, but today she was looking like an angel walking on Earth. She walked towards her friends who wore the same expression and him . Actually, the whole Great Hall was wearing the same expression . No one had ever seen a dress like that, and the way Seraphina was carrying it made it even more prepossessing .
" Someone looks bewitched by a beauty," said Albus . His words tugged Severus to reality .
" Ahem, " Severus cleared his throat. " I am not bewitched by anyone Albus. "
" It don't seem so, Severus. You have been constantly staring at her. "
Severus chose to ignore him .
"Oh my God, why didn't you tell me you were wearing this, girl?!" squeaked Elenore .
" Surprise! " Seraphina chuckled .
" No, seriously, you look damn hot, Al " said Lucifer .
" You three are looking amazing, too, " praised Seraphina. " George would you mind telling me who are you dressed as? " she continued .
" I am dressed as Bond , James Bond, " he mimicked Sean Connery , the Muggle actor who played the role.
Elenore was dressed as Willie from the Indiana Jones series, and Lucifer complemented her by dressing as Indiana Jones . The four of them were having the time of their life stuffing their mouths with sweets, drinking loads of butter beer, and dancing . Severus watched all from the corner . He wanted to talk to Seraphina badly . He actually didn't know what he wanted to talk about; he just wanted to talk to her , be near her , look at her more closely .
" Now time for a couples dance. Come on, love birds the floor is yours, " Albus announced with a chuckle. His eyes twinkling from his half - moon specs .
A lot of students groaned because they were in no mood to dance romantically, and above all, they didn't have anyone to dance with, and Seraphina was one of them . The couples took the floor, dancing slowly . Lucifer took Elenore with him and George took a girl from his year. Seraphina was left alone . A boy or two asked her but she declined them. She was in no mood to dance in this dress . Suddenly she felt someone behind her .
" May I have the pleasure of dancing with the most beautiful girl of the night ?" the voice of Gilderoy Lockhart came from behind her back . She turned, facing him , her cheeks brushed with scarlet .
" Ummmm... I don't know if student- teacher dances are allowed, Professor Lockhart, " replied Seraphina, uncertainty heavily reflecting in her voice as she spoke .
" But I am sure it is allowed," said Lockhart.
She was about to protest, but he held her wrist and dragged her to the dance floor, placed her one hand on his shoulder, holding the other . He wrapped his other hand around her bare waist , his hand caressing her skin . Like a reaction to every other action of his, her eyes widened . Her muscles clenched at his touch . She danced fluidly even with a stiffened body .
" Well, whom are you dressed up as Seraphina? " asked Lockhart with a smile .
" An Indian princess, Professor, " she replied .
" Oh... a beautiful Indian princess, I see. " A dark look came over his blue eyes .
" So, do you have a boyfriend, Seraphina? "
" No , but why are you asking Professor? "
" I just wanted to know why a beautiful witch like you single. "
" People don't like bookworms much, Professor "
They both danced in silence . The Couple's dance was over, and Seraphina ran out of Lockhart's arms as soon as the song had ended.
Severus saw how Lockhart had danced with Seraphina . She had been uncomfortable and still Lockhart had forced her to dance . Anger rose in him as he saw her running from his arms .
" The next Couple's dance will be in 25 minutes, " Headmaster Dumbledore announced .
The dance with Professor Lockhart had been the most awkward dance of her entire life . But she didn't let it ruin her night, so she enjoyed it with her three friends .
The Couple's dance arrived again, and the floor emptied . The same couples came to dance, but this time more teachers joined . Headmaster Dumbledore danced with Professor McGonagall , a 6th year asked Miss Hudson for a dance and she agreed. rest of the teachers looked for partners and danced, enjoying their time .
Seraphina's eyes looked up for Lockhart. She tried to stay away from him as much as possible . When she saw him approaching her again, she almost ran., she didn't know what excuse she would make for not dancing with him if he reached her . While she was busy trying to think of excuses, she bumped in someone .
" Be careful my child, " said Headmaster Dumbledore. " Are you avoiding anyone ?" His eyes twinkling from his half moon glasses .
" Oh... I am so sorry, Headmaster Dumbledore. Please forgive me " she apologized " No, I am not avoiding anyone, " she lied .
" So, would you mind dancing with me? "
" Yes, please, " Seraphina agreed .
Dancing with the Headmaster was way better than the dance with Professor Lockhart . She didn't knew why, but Professor Lockhart's touch always caused her huge discomfort and distressed her .
After dancing for a short while Headmaster escorted her off the dance floor towards Batman .
" Ah...I am really growing old , I think I should take rest, " complained Headmaster Dumbledore.
" Yes, of course, Headmaster. "
" But before resting, I would like to find you another dance partner. "
"There is no need for it, Headmaster ," she replied hesitantly .
" Yes, there is Seraphina. A beautiful young witch without a dance partner looks very odd. "
Seraphina blushes furiously at the comment .
" Oh, Severus, I hope you don't mind dancing with Seraphina. She has no partner, " the Headmaster called for Severus who stood in the corner .
" Oh, there is no need to worry Professor Snape. The song has almost ended, and my friends are waiting for me, " Seraphina explained hurriedly, not wanting to dance with another professor of hers . "Thank you, Headmaster, for the lovely dance. " she told him before vanishing into the crowd .
Severus looked after her retreating form. She hadn't wanted to dance with him . Why would she dance him she was beautiful , young , and admirable, and what was distinctive in him? Nothing . He was just a old , grumpy , greasy git . For the first time in years he felt jealous of anyone . Albus and Lockhart had danced with her, and he felt jealous of them . Everything lost its charm at the party for Severus. He felt unaccepted and unnecessary, so he decided to leave the dance. Exiting the Hall, Severus was marching towards the dungeon when his eyes fell upon someone from the huge window pane of the corridor . He might have ignored her if she had been some other girl, but he couldn't because he saw that it was Seraphina in the ground all by herself . The urge to talk to her was stabbing him hard in the chest . So instead of marching towards the dungeons he went for the young witch standing in the under the moonlit sky . Seraphina seemed to be in deep thought because she hadn't noticed him coming .
" May I ask what are you are doing here all alone when a huge party is going on in the Great Hall, Miss Barclay? " asked Severus softly .
" Oh, Professor, I didn't see you coming, " she cried. " Actually, I just felt a bit suffocated inside, so I thought of getting some fresh air. "
Her words fell on his ears but he didn't hear a single word she spoke . She stood in front of him in her bold, yet elegant dress , her bare skin shining under the moonlit sky . He didn't knew what he felt , his heart was racing thunderously as he tried hard to take his eyes off her, but he couldn't .
" I am sorry, professor, for denying the dance proposed by Headmaster Dumbledore. Actually, a lot of people were already staring at me as I danced with him, and I didn't want more eyes on me , I hope you will forgive me, " softly spoke Seraphina . Her voice tugged him out of his train of thoughts .
" It's fine, Miss Barclay, but you shouldn't let others bother you; and may I ask why were they eying you? " Severus asked, collecting himself.
" Actually... the dance with Professor Lockhart grabbed a lot of unwelcomed attention, and some girls weren't happy with it, " she replied hesitantly .
" So what, Miss Barclay ? You can't let others ruin such a beautiful night of yours," he replied in a sharp tone.
" The truth is, Professor , the dance with him actually bothered me more. " Her head bowed low as the words left her lips .
" May I ask why ? "
" Please don't judge me, Professor Snape, but Professor Lockhart treats me differently. He gives me more attention, and that bothers me sometimes. " Her words were no more than whispers .
" I understand your uncertainties, Miss Barclay, but maybe he just likes you more than other students. You know just like having a favorite student, " he tried to reconcile her . But deep down he knew Lockhart made her uncomfortable .
" Is there anything he has done that bothers you ? " He questioned .
" No nothing like that , I think I am just overthinking professor "
" Maybe or maybe not"
"Well, if you want, I can talk to Professor Lockhart about it, " he proposed .
" No , no Professor. If I feel like it, I will talk to him myself. Well, thank you for showing concern, " she said. " Thank you, Professor Snape, for listening to me. It feels light and fresh after letting out what's in my heart, " she continued .
" No need to thank me for the little help I provided you with," said Severus. " Well, what is that you are wearing ? I have never seen anyone wearing anything like it." he said .
" Its what an Indian princess wears, sir. My aunt sent me this. " She blushed.
" Is she Indian ?"
" Yes, she is an Indian princess. "
" Well, I have to say it looks angelic on you, " he commented .
" Thanks, Professor, " she thanked him with a smile .
Both stood in silence under the moonlit sky, but the silence was not awkward .
" I think I should leave now. Elenore and Lucifer might be looking for me, " she said as she broke the silence .
He nodded to her, and she left silently .
Severus stood there for some time, thinking how he should shatter that handsome jaw of Lockhart, but what was going on deep inside his heart was something else . Seraphina had denied to dance with him because she had already been upset, not because she felt him to be lacking. There was no gain in going back to his chamber, so he headed back to the Great Hall to enjoy the night and to watch her enjoying hers .
A smile crawled upon his face as he thought about her, but he didn't realized it until half of the Hall almost fainted seeing him smile . Seraphina was neither among the ones who almost fainted nor the ones who were shocked, but she gave him a very warm and welcoming smile . Warmth flushed in his body at her smile, and he smiled back at her .
Author's Note -
The cover of this Chapter is the dress Seraphina wore to the Halloween party .