The hall stood in complete silence as the sorting ceremony commenced. Applause filled the silence of the hall only when the houses of the students were revealed by the grumpy Sorting Hat .
Severus Snape looked at the faces of all the young and innocent first-year students: surprised , amazed , scared and somewhat baffled by the mystic aura of the Wizardry school .
Among them stood a girl a bit taller than the rest of them. A lean figure was distinguishable from beneath her robes. She had a short round face with raven hair neatly tied in a ponytail behind her head and large , black-rimmed spectacles gently placed on top of her small , perfect nose .
She was perfect for a young lady, but no one could call her a breathtaking beauty . Elegant was the perfect word to describe the way she carried herself . He noticed her, but what he didn't notice was that she was looking back at him too, and a sweet , warm and gentle smile played upon her light-pink lips .
He was baffled by her smile. Girls did try to flirt with him a little due to his war hero status, but he always ignored their actions, but her elegant smile somewhat distracted him, and he felt that it wasn't a flirting gesture . Somewhere deep-down he didn't want to ignore her, so he did something that people would say was very un-Snape; He smiled back .
" Barclay , Seraphina, " Minerva announced, and he was drawn out of his thoughts. She was the only one left to be sorted now , as she was the only transfer student that year . The girl walked towards the stool and sat in a very refined manner .
"A Barclay... after a long time, though, " the hat started in his grumpy tone which sounded more like a clogged gutter . " La famille des surdoués ... bravery is your habit ... loyalty flows in your veins... cunning enough to baffle even a Slytherin... but intelligence is your first precedence , curiosity has driven the sleep out of you , impressive ... Ravenclaw! "
The girl clearly blushes at all the compliments the sorting hat had said about her .
"Thanks for the compliments, Mr. Sorting Hat. " The girl spoke in the same discerning manner in which she carried herself . Well, no one ever before had thanked the Hat, and that made Professor Flitwick grin proudly .
Thud, the wooden doors of the Great Hall swung open, but no one was one the other side . The girl just stood up from the stool and, like everyone else in the hall, she was startled by the act . Only then, a giant Patronus of a snake emerged from nowhere . Severus felt numb in his place. it was the same Patronus that had cursed him, but it wasn't only him who was dismayed, but the same expression had come over the girl's face --the new Ravenclaw .
"Sssseythaaassss ssseyaaaayaassssehhhssss seethahaasssseytha hassayayahssssehhhssss sssseyaaseethaaahaassssryaaa sssseyaaseethaaasss ssssehhhayaeehseyythaasssseythasssseyaasssshusseey ayeaehhassaay ssssehhhhaaseyythaa ayaahathseyythaayaeehhatheeeyssssaytha hatheeeyseethaaaayaeehssssehhh seethassss sssseythaseethaaahaahathehhhhathehhh aayaassssehhhaaahhasseeyaayaaseyythaasssseytha, " the Patronus hissed in a tone devoid of any expression .
" Hatheeeyseethaaaayaeeh sssseythaseethaaahaahathehhhhathehhh aayaassseyaa ethaassss ssseyaaseethaaassssseyytha, " someone else hissed in Parseltongue . Aghast, everyone looked up to figure out from where the hissing was coming, and it was her—the girl , the new Ravenclaw . Her expression were illegible and toned . It felt like she was bewitched by the snake .
" Aayaassseyaasssseytha haaaaaahayaeehesseytha haaseythaaehhhathehhhssss " the Patronus hissed as it leapt and passed through her chest in the similar way it went through Severus', forming a blanket of blue mist around her .
Minerva was taken aback by what had just happened again in front of her eyes . Before anyone could take command of the situation, the girl vanquished , running down the center of the Great Hall, the unreadable expressing still overshadowing her face .
"It's better that we all proceed to the dorms after this very unexplainable event this evening," Albus advised as he stood . "Good night, and I expect the Perfects to escort the first-year students to their dorms, and the teachers please stay back as some discussions are necessary."
Albus took command of things quickly as everyone left the hall except for the teachers who were all gathered around the staff table . Albus asked the other teachers to take their leave and assured them that Minerva , Severus , Hagrid, Filius, and he could manage things perfectly on their own.
" Correct me if I am wrong; that was the same Patronus, " Minerva , Filius all blurted out at the same time .
" Yes, it surely was, " Albus replied calmly .
" So, the girl knows Parseltongue and is involved in the curse, " Minerva stated.
" Yes, but she is not the part of the curse. She is the one the curse has chosen for Severus to imprint upon, " Albus declared .
"How do you know that ?" Filius asked out of curiosity .
" Ms. Angelina wrote me a letter telling about the curse, and she predicted exactly what happened here, " he replied.
An awkward silence took over the five of them . Severus was still in his chair , numb and deep in thought .
"So, the Dark Lord has chosen a 16 year-old schoolgirl for me to forcefully love, " Severus broke the silence . A dark expression was on his face . In his eyes there was something more dreadful than death itself .
"But she is not a normal 16 year-old school-girl Severus. " Albus defended the young Ravenclaw . " You heard what the Sorting hat said about her, didn't you ?"
The Sorting hat... Albus was correct, the Sorting hat had never complimented someone to that extent . He almost declared her a perfect blend of all houses, Severus thought to himself .
"Yes, I did, but no matter what anyone says, she is just a 16 year-old girl who's not even graduated, Albus. " He tried to growl, but it didn't come out the way he expected it. He wound up feeling awkward and silly .
"She is a school graduate; she graduated from her Muggle school a month and a half back, " Albus informed him .
"Can you please stop defending that girl for once, Albus ! What is it? Do you owe her something? " This time he growled successfully .
"No, I don't owe her anything. It's just that she is an amazing child, and you should understand that, Severus, " Albus said with a chuckle .
"Listen now, Severus , whatever you say and think, it doesn't matter anymore. Now she is your present and your future . You can accept her happily or sadly; it all depends upon you . So, it's better to accept her and move on with your life. Make it less painful for yourself and that adolescent girl, Severus," Albus said in sedate manner .
Severus didn't knew what to feel right then . He was incensed , offended , bewildered, and God knew what else by everything that had happened . He had lived a decent life since the war nine years back and had conjured up a good reputation and aura, but what now? What would people think about him? --That the Potions Master lusted after a 16 year-old schoolgirl ? And what would that elegant looking Ravenclaw think about him ? Maybe she would lose that warmth she had shown towards him and think of him as a pervert who lusted after her .
"The girl is not in her dorm. The as the portraits tell me so. We should go and look for Seraphina. "
Albus' words tugged him out of his ocean of thoughts, and he noticed him coming back in the hall .
Wait, when had he left in the first place . Oh God, I need to think a little less .
" Ok, " everyone replied in unison.
"I'll go look in the Forbidden Forest and on the grounds, " Hagrid said first .
" I'll go look in the west wing, " Minerva added .
" I'll search the north and east wing. " Albus joined Minerva .
" I'll go with south, then, " Filius added with a concerned tone. He surely was concerned about his new Ravenclaw .
"I'll search the Dungeons and leave the forest for me, Hagrid. You already have the extensive grounds for yourself, " Severus added dryly .
Everyone set off for their locations. Severus almost ran to the Dungeons, he wanted to meet the Ravenclaw and ask what that Patronus had hissed. It was killing him to know . He looked through the whole Dungeon for her, but she was nowhere to be found . No Patronus came for him to alert him that the others had found her either. So, he decided to go for the Fobbiden Forest .
The stale air in the dark Dungeon had been putrid, but it was dark and menacing out in the forest. Why would a girl like her even think of coming here to be alone? The raven black wand was tightly gripped in his hands, ready for defense and attack . He strolled for about 15 minutes without success, when he heard the sound of growling . It sounded so despairing, exasperated and angry.
He stepped towards the sound. As he approached, he was confident that it was the little Ravenclaw, but the sight he was greeted by made him pity her . It was dark, but he was able to distinguish her body cocooned in a small ball , a rusted ring in one hand and a tear slowly rolling down her cheek as she continued growling but in a soft gentle tone.
" You always said I was attracted to eccentricity, but why is it always something weird happens with me only? Like, for once, can't I have normal choices and normal interests in life? For once could something weird not happen when I arrive somewhere? " she wasn't sobbing but despondency filled her voice.
He couldn't stand to see the misery of the elegant Ravenclaw anymore, so he decided to interrupt.
"Coming to the Forbidden Forest without informing anyone nor having a legitimate reason, and causing huge distress among the teachers can cost you a lot of house points, Miss ..." Snape said in a soft tone. He didn't want to threaten her and increase her sorrows now .
"Oh..." Seraphina gasped. She had been so deep within her thoughts that she hadn't noticed the black figure approach her. As she was tugged back to reality by that someone . She quickly straightened herself and brushed off her clothes to face the man who had brought her back to reality . The tall figure stood in front of her , towering over her.
She felt even smaller.
"Lumos," she whispered softly, and the tip of her wand illuminated, showering light around her .
When the light fell on the face of the tall man who stood in front of her, she was taken aback. It was Severus Snape , the war hero about whom her mother had told her once. She had always had a longing to meet him in person and not just in the headlines of the Daily Prophet . But her circumstances caused her to freeze. He had seen her for the first time cocooned on the ground of the Forbidden Forest sobbing and growling to herself . Wow ! what a nice start of the year .
She had been so buried in her thoughts that she had almost forgotten that a man was standing in front of her. When she collected her thoughts and payed attention to the man , she noticed a lean , tall man with a slender face. His eyes were deep black orbs and he had a long hooked nose which somehow looked good on his face. His thin lips were pursed together . He was handsome--an unconventional beauty, she thought to herself .
"Would you mind telling me what happened in the Great Hall, and why you ran off to the forest Miss ..." he said softly in a deep , velvety voice which was sinfully attractive .
"Oh... I am sorry for my behavior back in the Great Hall, Professor Snape; its just that what the Patronus of the snake said to me affected me a bit, and all I wanted was to be alone in solitude . Well, do you know from where the Patronus came and who send it ? Oh well, my name is Seraphina Barclay, Professor," she replied in a refined manner .
"And what was it that the Patronus said to you, Miss Barclay ?" he asked hesitantly .
" It said 'you shall get imprinted upon by a monster of a man, angel' " a reply came from her timidly .
"And you know what he meant by that ?"
" No, Professor, I have no idea what he meant by that. I just hope it was the pitiful joke of someone because I fear it would be hard to believe that . " she replied with uncertainty .
She has no idea what has just been thrust upon her. Will she be able to spend her life with me? She is just sixteen.
Well, the snake was correct, he was a monster of a man, after all. All those thoughts were flowing in his mind when her refined voice broke his train of thought, and he noticed the young Ravenclaw shivering from cold.
" Well, again I am sorry for my actions, Professor. I shouldn't have done it, but I just felt uncertain at the moment, and I did what felt the best. "
" Well, this act can't be ignored, but can be forgiven for sure, Miss Barclay, but for now I should escort you to the castle for you are shivering from the cold, " he replied softly yet sternly .
"Oh... I am fine, Professor, " she replied .
He took off his black cloak and wrapped it around her loosely, placing a hand on the small of her back to escort her to the castle .
She was baffled by his act . What a gentleman, she thought to herself . She wrapped the cloak snugly around her to feel its warmth .
"There was no need for this kind act, Professor, " she said, looking at his tall frame .
"Yes, of course there was, Miss Barclay. I can't let a young lady shiver in the cold, " he replied in a soft tone .
She let out a little chuckle .
Severus eyed the girl. She had been shivering from cold and yet denied it. If there had been any other girl they would be flattered if I escorted them like this, he thought to himself .
He raised his wand, and a wave of light escaped it's top as the words poured out of his mouth " Expecto Patronum ." The wave took the form of a doe as it ran towards the castle.
"What was that for, Professor Snape ?" Seraphina asked in amazement .
"I was just informing the other teachers that I have found you and that I was bringing you back to the castle," he informed her .
" I shouldn't have done that. It caused everyone to worry, " she sadly mumbled to herself as she walked .
"You did what seemed right to you at the moment. If someone else had been in your place, they would have done the same or would have brought all the attention to themselves , so don't regret your decision. After all, what the snake said to you was horrifying. Sometimes solitude is the best thing," he said, trying to reassure her .
She let out a little sigh from her lips .
They reached Albus' office after what felt like 20 minutes . They talked a little while on the journey . As they both stood in front of the Headmaster's office, Severus spoke the password, " Lemon Drops. "
Seraphina let out a little chuckle at the childish password. They climbed the stairs in silence, and as they reached the door, Severus softly knocked .
" Come in, " Albus' reply came from the other side .
Severus held the door for Seraphina as she entered the large , warm room . There was an old looking man sitting at the Headmaster's desk , an old woman with a sharp face standing beside him , a goblin stood beside a half-giant who gave her a warm smile with an apologetic look on his face. She smiled back .
"So, there you are my child. You just worried us all, " the old man said .
"I am sorry, Headmaster , I know I shouldn't have acted so immaturely. It caused you all such discomfort, " Seraphina said apologetically .
"No need to worry, Seraphina, the Patronus' appearance baffled us, too, " Flitwick reassured her.
"It's fine, my child. Anyone would react in the same way, " Albus reassured her .
"Well, I hope you don't mind me asking a question, Headmaster ?" she asked hesitantly.
"Yes, of course, my child, go on ."
"What happened back there in the Great Hall ? " she asked .
"It was just a small prank by our Poltergeist, Peeves, my child . He wanted to have some fun with the new students and you became his victim, Seraphina, " Albus said calmly. " We will inform the rest of the students about the prank Peeves played on you so they don't bother you, all right?" he continued .
"Oh... it's fine with me, Headmaster, " she replied, her refined tone continued .
Severus was baffled by Albus' reply. Why hadn't he told her the truth? Why was he keeping such a delicate affair a secret from the one who would be affected by it the most?
" Now, Severus, I hope you don't mind escorting Seraphina to her dorm, " Albus asked him politely . Severus nodded .
Holding the door for her, he escorted her to the Ravenclaw dorm, and again he placed his hand gently on the small of her back . As they reached the Portrait of the Ravenclaw dorm he turned towards her and spoke softly.
" I assume you don't know how to get the password to the room. It is the answer of the riddle the portrait will ask ."
" Hmmmmm... an interesting password indeed, " commented Seraphina .
They both turned towards the bronze knocker . The eagle gazed at the pair standing in front of it before speaking in his deep , husky voice .
" What is a Slytherin doing in the Ravenclaw tower ?"
" It's none of your concern, " snapped Severus .
The bronze eagle snorted at the disrespectful answer before turning towards the young girl .
" I am made of magical lands. Sometimes I tell the truth, and sometimes I don't. What am I?"
Seraphina breathed deeply before replying . Severus stood there next to her thinking of the answer.
" A book, " they both said at the same moment .
The door opened . Severus turned to leave when Seraphina's soft words stopped him.
" I am very thankful to you, Professor Snape, for finding me in the forest and helping me through the castle. " She paused as he turned to face her. " And for your warm cloak; it did helped me a lot, " she continued .
She smiled warmly at him and with his cloak in her hand, she extended it towards him . He took the cloak from her hand and gave a slight nod.
" No need to thank me for doing my duty, Miss Barclay. " He couldn't help it as a small smirk passed over his thin lips .
" Well, can I have a proper handshake with you, Professor Snape ?" Seraphina asked.
"Ummmm... Why, Miss Barclay ? " Severus asked with uncertainty .
"I just wanted to shake hands with the bravest man I have ever known, the man who killed Voldemort himself," she replied as she extended her hand towards him .
He took her hand and quickly shook it . When her soft skin caressed his hard, rough one , he felt nice .
" I am no more brave than anyone who fought the war against him, " Severus replied .
She nodded and vanished into the Ravenclaw Common Room, and he stood there , thinking. He was supposed to love her: a sweet , warm , graceful , sincere , and lovable girl . But would she be able to love him: an old git , grumpy , cold , unpleasant and ugly man? He felt pity for the girl . He let out a little sigh from his thin lips as he went back to Albus' office. He needed answers for his questions .
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"For Merlin's sake, why didn't you tell Miss Barclay what the Patronus really meant ? Her whole future depends upon it. Her whole life depends upon it, " he growled as he stomped into Albus' office without an invitation .
Albus sat quietly on his chair . He let out a sigh at the sight of the angry young professor .
"My dear Severus, what do you want me to tell that young, innocent lady? That on the very first day of her magical schooling, she is destined to love her young professor? " Albus' reply came calmly but frustration was clear in his voice .
Speechless , Severus didn't know what he could say. Albus was correct. They couldn't tell that young girl a fact like that when she already felt tormented internally from the incident .
He left his office without uttering another word because he didn't want to face the man anymore. He already owed him a lot . Albus was now helping him with Seraphina's matter too .
He went to his chamber with a tormented feeling in his chest .