Seraphina was discharged from the hospital the next morning as Poppy had promised. She hurried straight towards the Great Hall with Lucifer and Elenore because they were late. As she stepped into the hall, she felt everyone's eyes on her. But their gazes carried profuse types of expressions. She felt the burden of anguished stares coming from the Gryffindor table. The sympathetic looks from the Head Table made her twinge. Settling comfortably at the Ravenclaw table, the three were about to begin stuffing their mouths with the exquisite dishes displayed on the table when a cheerful voice came from behind Seraphina. She turned to see George standing there with a bouquet of foxy flowers.
"How's it going, Seraphina?" he asked in a very cheerful manner.
"I am fine, but you first tell me about you," Seraphina replied, trying to replicate his cheerfulness. Her wounds still throbbed.
"All good... well, I brought you these flowers. I hope you like them, " George smiled as he extended the bouquet in her direction.
"They are the most beautiful flowers I have ever seen, George. Thank you very much for them, but where did you get these from? " she asked and gave him a warm smile as she scanned the flowers.
"Oh... Hagrid helped me pick these for you from the forest," he whispered in her ear.
"Oh... That's very sweet of you, George, and I think I need to thank Hagrid sir too for his help, " She chuckled as she pulled George towards her, placing her soft lips on his cheek. George's eyes widened at her kiss.
"Come sit. Have breakfast with us, " She patted the empty seat next to her. He slipped in and started eating and chatting with Seraphina.
Suddenly, Headmaster Dumbledore stood and went towards the podium as professor McGonagall made a clinking sound with her spoon and glass to grab everyone's attention.
"Good morning, everyone, " the Headmaster greeted everyone with a smile, but soon it faded and an austere look came over his face.
"Yesterday a very disheartening episode happened with a Ravenclaw student. As we all know, a group of Gryffindor students tried to bully a Hufflepuff, and a Ravenclaw student stepped in between to try and break it up, getting injured badly in the process. It disheartens me to see the students of the house famous for their bravery in committing an act like this. And the thing which forlorn me more is the fact that all students stood there enjoying the sight, " The Headmaster's tone was staid, causing an eerie silence to be cast over the Great Hall.
" Because of this hideous act from those students, fifty points will be taken from Gryffindor, and for the courageous act of student Seraphina Barclay, Ravenclaw has been awarded seventy points," the Headmaster continued.
The hall broke into applause at the announcement. The noise of shouting and hooting came from the Ravenclaw table, but a disappointing silence took over the Gryffindors. Slytherins were happy too, not because Ravenclaw had received the points but because Gryffindor had lost them. There was a constant rivalry between the two houses, but the reason was quite childish. Although she noticed the Heads of the houses shared a friendly relation, the students didn't.
Seraphina's face flushed red as she blushed furiously.
"You are the best, Seraphina, " George exclaimed while giving her a hug.
"No I am not, I'm sure, " she replied shyly.
Severus listened to Albus' speech, but his eyes were locked on someone sitting at the Ravenclaw table in the arms of the little Hufflepuff. She was out of the hospital now.
How is she feeling now? He thought. He wanted to ask her, but he was afraid of what she would think of his actions if he did.
But knowing the welfare of his own student is not a bad thing, he grumbled in his thoughts.
The rest of breakfast was conducted in silence. Scanning the hall, Severus' eyes fell upon Lockhart, who was on the other side of the table grinning wildly. His eyes locked upon a certain someone at the Ravenclaw table. Trying to figure to whom he was staring, Severus concluded he was looking at Seraphina only. A dark look came over Lockhart's eyes, and as Severus watched, they darkened even more. The look in his eyes made Severus uncomfortable.
Breakfast finished and everyone went on with their business.
ልረልክ
The Potions class was held in the Dungeons, and it was invariably dark and cold there, but somehow the room had enough visibility to be able to take the class and see things clearly. It always baffled the students how it was that way. Severus very patiently waited for the students to enter, and as soon as the whole class was settled, he started.
" So, today's class is dedicated to the Veritaserum potion," His smooth and deep tone complimented the aura of the Dungeons. "Veritaserum is a very powerful truth potion. The name 'Veritaserum' derives from the Latin word Veritas, meaning truth. Three drops of this potion are all that is needed to force anyone to respond to any question with the truth, " he dictated, and the students who cared to take notes jotted that in their notebooks.
The other dunderheads just listened, lost in their thoughts, wondering God knows what. It was then his eyes fell upon Seraphina, her quill held in her left hand, writing. She sat alone on the bench. A smarting look on her face. It baffled him. Why was she writing with her left hand?
" Miss Barclay, Why are you holding the quill in the wrong hand? " he queried.
She raised her head and gave him a befuddled look.
"I am sorry, Professor? " she questioned him politely.
"You are holding the quill with the wrong hand, Miss Barclay, " he repeated, directing his gaze towards her left hand.
"Oh... Professor, actually it is my correct hand. I am a lefty, so I write with my left hand only, " she replied.
"Well, it is rare to see left-handed wizards, " Severus said with an arched eyebrow.
"I surely didn't know that, Professor," She smiled.
"Miss Barclay, I observed you are having difficulty in writing, so I would like to excuse you from writing today's notes," he said with a concerned tone.
"No, no, Professor, I am fine. I will be fine," she replied hesitantly.
"Are you sure about that, Miss Barclay? " he asked.
"Yes, Professor, " she replied shyly.
The first hour went by with Severus' lecture, and the students had to brew the potion in the next. As they took their places at the counter and started collecting the ingredients for the potion, he saw Seraphina struggling with holding the ingredients, but Miss Wilson came to her aid. Scanning the brewing process silently, he walked around peeking into a cauldron or two. As he passed the counter where Seraphina was working, he noticed her struggling with cutting the Frankincense. Her hand had stiffened due to the potions, and her wounds sent stinging pain through her hand. Severus observed her biting her lips, trying burdensomely not to let out a scream. His heart clenched. This girl tried so hard not to attract attention; she was too hard on herself. Wanting to help her badly, he let out a little sigh from his thin lips, readying himself for the act he was about to commit. He quickly walked across to the table and stood next to her as he politely snatched the knife from her. He was careful not to increase the harrowing and started chopping Frankincense for her.
Her mouth fell open and her eyes widened in awe at his act. The tall, black figure standing next to her at the counter chopped the Frankincense in the most delicate manner. His every move was so precise and accurate. His black hair partially curtained his lean and slender face. She quickly pushed away from her thoughts and composed herself.
" Professor, there is no need for this. I can do it, " Every word she spoke felt so heavy to her that it almost became a whisper.
He placed the knife calmly on the shelf and turned to face her. There was an incomprehensible look in his eye.
"You silly girl, why don't you accept the fact that you feel pain like any other human, and why the hell on this Earth aren't you asking for any help or assistance? No one will pity you here, " he scolded her with disquiet in his voice. The whole class turned towards them, looking at the scene.
"I... umm... Professor," she stuttered.
It was the first time she had done so. She was always confident and firm with her words and actions. But right now, she was uncertain about what to reply to him. Her professor was right. She felt the throbbing in her hand, but she didn't want anyone's sympathy or pity. It was the last thing she ever wanted.
He felt the gaze of the students on them, so he swiftly looked upon them with an arched eyebrow.
" So, how's the show? " he snapped, bringing them back to reality. They all looked away.
" Back to work, and I expect no noise as I will be assisting Miss Barclay with this potion due to her injury," he continued.
Turning back towards Seraphina, he saw her mouth still open and eyes still widened. He cleared his throat, trying to snap her back to reality, and it worked. She composed herself and moved over to relocated herself on the shelf so that she could maintain an appropriate distance from her professor as she accepted her defeat. Professor Snape's proximity didn't bother her as Professor Lockhart's did.
Other students consistently called him rude and nasty, but her heart never believed those comments. It wasn't because he was helping her, though. When she had laid her eyes on him for the first time in the Great Hall, he had looked internally tormented. Although he had masked it flawlessly, she was able to see that torment.
The rest of the class went by smoothly, she did the brewing work, and Professor Snape did the chopping, cutting, and grinding and slitting work. She insisted on doing some of it, but he wouldn't let her even touch the ingredients. She contemplated him. He was a very dedicated person about his work; it was clear from his graceful manner of holding the equipment and preparing the ingredients.
Her potion was brewed perfectly. It would have been odd if it hadn't been, after all, the potions master himself had helped her.
Professor Snape dismissed the class; everybody started leaving. By now only Lucifer, Elenore, Seraphina and Severus were left.
" Hey, Luc and Eley, why don't you both go. I will catch up with you in the Common room. I hope that's fine with you, " she told them.
" Why? what's the matter with you?" Lucifer asked.
" Nothing, I just wanted to thank Batman for his help, " Seraphina whispered with a chuckle. She had nicknamed Professor Snape Batman. He was always clad in black, and his cloak swayed behind him, similar to Batman's. He was heroic, intelligent, and handsome, just like Batman.
"Oh... go, go thank him. It's not every day that Batman helps a student, " Elenore whispered back, grinning wildly. Lucifer and Elenore left.
"See ya in study hall, " Lucifer said, vanishing around the corner of the corridor.
Seraphina let out a little sigh and turned towards her professor, who was leaning against his desk with his hands supporting his posture. Slowly approaching him, stopping at an appropriate distance, she faced him. She felt his mysterious eyes on her.
"No need to thank me for doing my duties, Miss Barclay, " Severus said in a resonant tone.
Why can't this girl just accept help without thanking a million times? He thought.
"But..." she whispered to herself. How did he know what was in her mind? "How do you know…? " she continued whispering.
"Because you have a habit of thanking someone a million times for helping you. " Severus rolled his eyes.
"It's not like that, Professor, it's just that I want them to know how thankful I am for their help, " She smiled at the professor's comment. She looked up at him and said-
" But this time I truly want to thank you for helping me brew the potion and..." she paused.
"And...?" Severus raised an eyebrow at the long pause.
"And, yes, I do hate sympathy from people, " she said with a defiant look in her eyes.
An awkward silence came over them. Neither knew what to say, so Seraphina cleared her throat and shot a glance at Batman.
"So, I think I should leave now. See you at dinner, Professor, " she bit her lip as the last words poured out of her lips. She had said that to her professor. It was too informal a way of addressing her professor.
" Sorry..." She whispered shyly.
"And may I ask what was this apology for Miss Barclay?" Severus raised an eyebrow.
" For addressing you so informally, " she responded.
" Apology accepted," he smirked.
Surprised by her professor's response, she looked at him in surprise with wide eyes.
Severus noticed her features, although he didn't want to, but it was an irresistible urge he surrendered to. Her dusky eyes held a surprised look in them. Warmth, mysteriousness, sadness and curiosity played a playfully fluid dance in those eyes.
A sharp dagger stabbed in his chest or at least it felt like that. Her eyes were just like the girl's - the girl who had come to him in his dream the night he had killed The Dark Lord. She'd had the same eyes—no those eyes were Seraphina's. He lost control of his senses. So bewitched by her eyes was he, that he didn't realize he had risen from the desk and was walking towards Seraphina.
Batman looked appalled. There was something in his eyes she couldn't comprehend. He was coming towards her.
Severus didn't realize how near he had come to Seraphina. His muscular body was about to touch her when she took a step back. Suddenly a disagreeable look came over her.
"Professor, " she gasped out of breath.
Her words snapped him back to reality. He was standing within uncomfortable proximity to Seraphina. He took a step back, trying to extend the distance between them.
"I... I should ... leave, Professor, " she stammered in a timorous tone as she almost ran towards the door of the class.
"Sera..." he called for her but she was gone.
ልረልክ
Seraphina entered the study hall panting. She ran from the Dungeons to the study hall. Entering the hall, she scanned for Lucifer and Elenore. They were sitting at the corner table by themselves. She ran towards them and slipped into the seat in front of them, still panting heavily and deeply lost in her thoughts.
" So, how was the thanking session with that Greasy Bat?" Elenore chuckled as she tugged Seraphina out of her thoughts.
" Fine... it was fine, "she replied, still deep in thought, wondering about the professor's actions.
" Ok..." they replied together.
The hours went by but felt like oblivion to her. It was finally time for dinner. Her stomach growled from hunger but didn't really feel hungry. Her mind was still incredulous about Batman's actions.
ልረልክ
What the hell had he done? He had scared Seraphina. What would she be thinking of him? He was still standing there, losing track of time. A stinging pain struck his legs when he realized he was still standing there where she had stood when she left. Looking at the clock, he saw it was time for dinner. He collected his thoughts and composed himself as he walked out of the Dungeons towards the Great Hall.
Letting a little sigh escape from his thin lips, he entered the Great Hall, ignoring every living thing that existed there at that time. Sitting at the Head Table next to Lockhart made him question his own existence. His heart pounded hard. Again he had the urge to glance at Seraphina. Her timid figure looked even smaller, her head down as she ate her food in silence. Her skin was pale, and she looked so deep in thoughts. He didn't know why, but he felt sorry for his actions, it had upset her. Deciding to apologise to her, he let out a little sigh as he ran his long and slender fingers through his raven hair, trying to push aside the thoughts.
After finishing their dinner, Seraphina, George, Lucifer and Elenore were sauntering towards the Ravenclaw dorm talking all the way.
" Hey, you filthy Ravenclaw, "someone shouted over their shoulder.
The four of them turned together. Seraphina's wand slipped from her sleeve tightly, gripping it in her hand, ready to defend them. A few Gryffindor boys marched towards them with furious looks on their faces. Everyone in the corridor froze in their place. A tall, blonde, and muscular boy marched up to Seraphina. His nose caressing her forehead. She could feel his hot breath, his body trembled from anger. He grabbed her forearms tightly in his iron grip, sending a stinging pain down her hand. He tried to pin her against the wall, but she was quick, burying the tip of her wand in his neck and pushing him back.
" How dare you take away fifty points from us, you bitch, " he growled as his anger rose at her defensive act.
"I didn't take away any points from you. Those scumbags lost them deliberately. Now walk away," she replied calmly, but blood was boiling inside.
She stared the Gryffindor straight into his green eyes. He broke her eye contact and shot a furious glance at George, who stood in between Lucifer and Elenore.
" And you, filthy little rat, what do you think? This bitch saved you this time so you are safe? No, I will make you realize that you have gotten on the wrong side of the wrong Gryffindor," he shouted at the little boy.
A little tear rolled down his eyes. Seraphina saw the tear and turned her face towards the tall boy, burying her wand even deeper than before, almost piercing his skin. Her eyes burning with rage
" You try to even look at George, and I will make you regret your whole existence in this world. And call him a little rat once more, and you will know what it feels like to wet your pants every five minutes as a 17-year-old. Now, if you don't want me to slice off your little penis and slit every part of your visible skin, then don't ever try to bully anyone ever again or call me a bitch. Did I made myself clear, you little scumbag?"
The rage rose as she threatened him. Her body trembled from anger. She didn't realize she had pierced the wand too hard and that a drop of blood flowed down the student's neck. She backed up a step, and without another word held George and Elenore's hand and marched off with Lucifer on their heels.
The Gryffindor stood there, aghast and ashamed. Nobody had ever talked to him like that, not even his parents. But one thing had been made clear to him. He had gotten on the wrong side of that Ravenclaw.
Meanwhile, Severus had stood in the corner of the corridor spectating the whole drama. He should have intruded but he hadn't. He liked when those brave Gryffindors were taught that they weren't the only ones who could do magic or were brave enough to speak for themselves. He had never thought the elegant Ravenclaw could be so vicious if you got on her wrong side. She had stood for herself and George yet again. Not like Lily, who never could have thought of standing up against the famous Marauders for the poor, unpopular Snivellus Snape. He let out a little sigh.
ልረልክ
"Oh, my God, you are badass, girl!!!" Elenore cried, jumping on the couch in the Ravenclaw Common room. Seraphina wiped George's tear.
" I am in bad need of a refreshing smile after standing so close to that foul-smelling Gryffindor, " she said with pretended tiredness. George smiled at her. They both were trying hard to ignore Elenore, Lucifer and the other Ravenclaws who had gone mad after she confronted that dunderheaded Gryffindor. It felt like a celebration of someone who didn't know what was going on.
"Enough Eley, there was no chance that I would have let him go after he called George a little rat, " she said with a dismissive wave of a hand.
"I am going to bed now. Do you want me to drop you at your dorm, George?" she asked, turning towards him.
"Nah... I can go, and after what you did, nobody will ever try to hurt me again, " he said with a chuckle.
"Ok, it's fine with me, " she said.
George stepped closer to her and placed a kiss on her soft cheek. " Thank you for saving me again, " he said as he pulled away.
"Aww... I did what was right, and I gained a good friend so no need of thanks, " she replied, smiling brightly.
George left and she went to bed, dragging the overwhelmed Elenore with her.
ልረልክ
Severus was lying on his bed in his black pyjama bottoms. He couldn't sleep. Seraphina's aghast face in front of his eyes made it impossible to sleep. He had not been able to apologize to her today, but he had decided the first thing he would do in the morning would be to apologize to her right away.
He glanced at the clock. It was one in the morning, and still, he was lying on his bed wide awake. Slipping out of the bed, he decided to take a walk. Putting on his raven night robe over his unclothed, muscular chest. He liked sleeping that way without anything covering his chest. The day outfits were enough to cover his body. Taking his wand in case he might have to transfigure his outfit, he strolled down the desolate corridor. It felt so nice to see the beautiful walls of the corridor without some dunderheads running around and students snogging in the corners. Passing by a window as he strolled down the corridor, he looked out of the window. The pale crescent moon shone like a silvery claw in the night sky. In front of him was the school grounds which seemed to spread into oblivion. But he saw a dark figure on the grounds, someone was out on the grounds. If it was a student, it couldn't get any worse for him or her. Detention for at least two months with Filch and House Points taken away for sure. The thought amused him as he marched towards the outdoors. In no time, he was outside on the grounds and was marching towards the figure.
Seraphina was lying on the school ground looking up at the blanket of stars that stretched to infinity. She couldn't sleep. After the school trip two years ago, it was hard to sleep, and today Batman's actions bothered her even more. What had happened to him today? The question was left unanswered. Deep in her thoughts, she didn't notice a dark figure approaching her.
It was a girl, a small girl, definitely a student, he thought.
The bright moonlight increased the visibility. The girl was lying on the ground. A knee-length sweatshirt hung over her shoulder, her thin legs were bare. The proximity increased and as he got closer, he took notice of her face. It was Seraphina. He stopped, not wanting to go much closer like before.
Apologize to her: it's a perfect time, a part of his mind shouted at him. He sighed and called for her.
"Miss Barclay ? " his chocolatey-deep voice interrupted her thoughts. His voice was so inimitable, she knew it was him.
"Oh! Professor, " she cried collecting herself, she stood up and straighten her long sweatshirt, trying hard to stand as far as she could from him.
"May I ask what are you doing out of your dorm at 1:30 in the morning? " he asked.
His tone was soft. He knew why she was here. She was baffled by his actions, and she also couldn't sleep.
" Actually, I wasn't able to sleep so I just came here to get some fresh air, " she replied trying to avoid any eye contact with her professor.
A long silence came over them. They both stood like that for God-knows-how-long. Severus' eyes locked upon her, and Seraphina's eyes hovered, looking at anything but him. She felt his eyes on her, but she couldn't tell what he was looking at specifically. Severus decided to break that awkward silence.
"I want to apologize for my behaviour back in the classroom, Miss Barclay, " The words slipped his lips. He truly sounded apologetic and sorry for his acts.
" Umm... Professor, I hope you don't mind if I ask what actually happened back in class? " she asked, her tone hesitant. She Still tried to avoid any eye contact.
" Your eyes are just like my mother's. Raven Black with a hint of mysteriousness and curiosity, just like hers, "
He hadn't lied, he was telling the truth. Her eyes were just like his mother's. Although both those eyes carried warmth and curiosity, they both also carried an unexplainable sadness with them. All his life, he had never seen such beautiful eyes as his mother's and Lily's. And now this girl stood in front of him with eyes just like his mother.
" In my whole life, I have never seen anyone with eyes like my mother's because they were unique and incomparable, "
He paused and let out a sigh. Although he had told her the truth, it was still a lie. He had gotten so close to her because he had seen her eyes in his dream.
" So when I saw your eyes, I was surprised to find eyes just like hers, " he continued.
"They were..." She gave him a questioning look.
"She is no more, " he replied silently.
"Oh... I am so sorry for your loss, Professor, " she said apologetically.
He loved his mother. She is no more, and I have eyes just like her,she deduced. I Internal torment lay dormant inside her. He just wanted to have a look at his mother's eyes once more, that's all, she thought.
"So, what's my punishment, Professor? " she questioned him.
"For, Miss Barclay? " he raised an eyebrow.
" For sneaking out past curfew," she said with a nervous chuckle.
" Well, it's your first time, so it will be forgiven, " he said.
" Seriously? " she cried.
" Yes, Miss Barclay, " he replied.
The reason was simple: he didn't want her to spend two months with Filch. For some alien reason, the man was always nasty.
" Now, if I may suggest, you should be heading to your dorm, " he said.
" Yes, Professor, " she replied.
" Mind if I escort you? It's too late now, " he insisted.
" That's very sweet of you, Professor Snape, but I will manage it, " she replied.
" I insist, Miss Barclay," He wanted her to reach her dorm safely. But he knew one thing, she would never accept his proposal so he did what he had done the last time. He stepped closer to her and placed his hand on the small of her back and started walking. She stumbled at the sudden act, but then got firm on her feet. Her eyes widened at his gentle act. A true gentleman.
He had almost forgotten about her injury, so keeping his face unemotional he asked courteously, " Well, how is your injury, Miss Barclay? "
" They are fine now, " she replied.
They didn't talk much on the way, and he dropped her off at the doorway of her dorm and went to his chamber.Lying on the bed, he fell asleep in no time.
Talking to Batman and clearing out all the mess had calmed Seraphina. That night she got to sleep for the first time in months.
Author's Note:- I saw just two Lefty people in Harry Potter so made a myth out of it for my story, it's not a fact. Please don't think I hate Gryffindors, it's just that I have used them as an allegory in my story, and because Seraphina and Severus are connected by all means, so the involvement of Gryffindors was important. This Severus Snape is different from the book because his last experiences are different from book one.