Ever since the award ceremony, the Ravenclaw Prefect's popularity had reached new heights. Out of the blue, not just the students, but the whole wizarding world was interested in her . Daniel left the evening of the ceremony , leaving Seraphina without a concrete reason to excuse herself from the crowd of students . This time her achievement was far more exorbitant than surviving a Dragon . No matter where she was , be it the Great Hall , corridor , classes, or lavatory, she consistently found herself encompassed by a horde of students who were curious to know how it felt to duel the Death Eaters , or what the Ministry building looked like . Luckily, the lovebirds helped her squeeze her way towards the class without grabbing much attention towards herself. Unfortunately, the teachers were no better than the students themselves. except for Batman, who still treated her the same way as before , every other teacher gave her special treatment, and her mistakes, which were rare in themselves, were either dismissed or blatantly ignored. Seraphina hated it; she hated it all; the special treatment , the attention and everything was so alien that the witch could not understand it . To cope with it all , the adolescent Ravenclaw decided to consistently keep her nose buried in a book , but little did she know that doing so could help next to nothing.
One night, after a tiresomely long day of answering the questions of fellow students and receiving a horde of letters from people she barely knew , Seraphina was performing her patrolling duty. Her nose was buried in a copy of ' Pride and Prejudice ' by the Muggle author Jane Austin. She was so into the book that she barely looked at the eerie corridor laid in front of her .
" Ignoring the path you are walking on might cause injuries, " a deep , cavernous voice fell on her ears as she realized her intense reading had caused her to zone out of the real world . The voice tugged the witch out of her ocean of thoughts .
" Oi, " cried Seraphina as she became genuinely scared . The girl gasped, and the book fell from her hands .
As Seraphina composed herself, she noticed Batman's wand delicately held in his long slender fingers , her book flying in mid - air near his wand .
" Enjoying the book? " remarked Batman with an arched eyebrow. His tone was dipped in heavy sarcasm.
" It's nothing like that Professor . It's just the..." before Seraphina could have explained herself, the voice of the man standing in front of her cut in .
" It's just the stress , I know . I have also gone through it, Miss Barclay. "
" Good Lord, somebody understands it ! You know Professor it's just so irritating, " spat the witch with an austerely irritated visage .
" And what is it that irritates you, Miss Barclay? " asked Professor Snape . The Ravenclaw sighed before speaking .
" Professor, as you have also received the Merlin award , did you also feel that the behavior of people changed towards you? Prior to this everyone called me a weirdo, but now it's all changed . Suddenly, out of blue, everyone wants to be my friend , hang out with me, or wants to be my seat partner - they don't even spare me in the library . I am still the same, but the people around me have changed so much that it feels like I am in an alien place, " aggregately said the young witch .
" People change their behavior seeing your position in the world , Miss Barclay. Something similar happened with me too. Not everyone cared about me much before I killed The Dark Lord . I suggest you ignore them and live your life like you have lived it to date," said Batman in a reassuring tone .
" I hope you don't mind answering one of my questions, Professor? Why do you call Lord Voldemort , the Dark Lord? You killed him , why would you prefer to pay respect to him by calling him that ? Because I read that the Dark Lord was a title given to him out of respect for his excellence in the Dark Arts , " questioned Seraphina in a hesitant voice .
Severus was amused by the girl's observation and treasure of knowledge she exhibited .
" Our ideas were surely divergent, and his pathway of life was more wrong according to me, but that by no means signifies that I would ignore his exorbitant knowledge and unparalleled skills . I can never level his erudition, and I believe in respecting my superiors . Disrespecting someone greater than you is against my integrity," explained Severus with a sly smirk . A small smile crept on Seraphina's lips as she heard the reason the man standing in front of her proposed. Her raven eyes fixed Batman with a look of pure admiration . The Ravenclaw had always admired Professor Snape, and at times the veneration had flourished, but today she felt she could laud the man no more . Professor Snape was an Order of Merlin, First Class; he killed Lord Voldemort but he was so blasé about it .
" But you also prefer to call him 'Lord' Voldemort. Why do you offer him respect by calling him Lord , Miss Barclay ?" asked Batman reversing the question asked back at her .
" My reason is somewhat similar , Professor . The ideology of a person does not define his capabilities and intelligence, " said Seraphina in an intellectual tone.
Severus gave her an impressed look, being genuinely awed by the intellect of the witch.
" Sir, can I get my book back ?" asked Seraphina in a small voice .
" Before I return your book, I want a promise from you, Miss Barclay. I shall not see you so deep into a book in an unconventional place like the corridors or library ever again, " cautioned Batman . The adolescent girl shot him a pleading glance but acknowledged the severity of his proposal. It wasn't a lie that her zoning out while reading had cost her many times. Once she had been late for Charms class when she slowly strolled down the corridor while skimming a book of hers . Another time she almost fell from the enchanted staircase. It had been Jason who had gotten hold of her , keeping her from falling .
Nodding sheepishly, the Perfect spoke in the same small voice, " Ok , I promise you that , Professor Snape . "
Severus gave her a slight nod as he held the leather jacketed copy of her book , extending it towards the girl. As Seraphina took the book from her, she emerged from her doldrums.
" Oh , I just remembered! I wanted to thank you for obliterating the scar. Although I have never feared scars in my life, I didn't want to see the name of that man every morning on my body, " said Seraphina in a small voice , the hint of Gilderoy Lockhart sucking out the zeal from her .
" Miss Barclay, I request that you don't thank me for the little I did for you . After you took all the torment destined for me , I don't want you to thank me for removing the pathetic name that didn't deserve to be there after all," replied Severus, his black orbs fixed on the girl's.
ልረልክ
The Potions Master saw the clouds of sadness cast over Seraphina. He felt bad for her . He stopped himself from pressing her into a tight embrace to comfort her , because sadly, he wasn't a friend of hers .
ልረልክ
The coming morning brought a very handsome yet irritating stranger into Seraphina's life . After an awkward breakfast where everyone stared at the young girl , she went on with her daily routine, which had changed a little due to her new accolade . While attending the last class of the day - Potions , the Ravenclaw was concentrating on brewing a presentable Angel's Trumpet Draught when the door of Professor Snape's class thudded open, revealing a very handsome young man of 25 from behind the door. A big, boisterous smile was plastered upon his square face . His deep blue eyes twinkled from the phosphorescence of the flames , a clenched jawline outlined his square face while a few strands of his dirty blond hair freely fell over his forehead .
He wore velvet green robes . Holistically he was a handsome and young man who exhibited a charismatic manner . Everyone shot him a sudden glance except for the young witch who seemed to have zoned out of the class while brewing her potion . The alien man scanned the room for exactly the person who wasn't looking at him. His handsome face beamed at the sight of Seraphina Barclay . Walking up to the girl , who stood alone at the counter very precisely cutting Alihotsy , he filled the room with his not - so - distinguishable voice .
" Hello, Mizz Zeraphina Barclay. "
The knife which had been slitting the Alihotsy a few seconds earlier pierced the girls index finger as her concentration broke like shattering glass . The red life-gifting liquid poured out of the small yet deep gash , smearing the patched leaves . Neither did the adolescent girl gasp nor did she made any sound declaring her injury. An austerely disappointed look came over her face as she glanced at the blood-soaked leaves for the few moments before the voice of the stranger fell on her ears again .
" I am zo zorry, Zeraphina "
The black figure of Severus Snape briskly made his way towards the girl and the stranger who had stormed into his class uninvited. His deeply cavernous voice broke in before anyone could have uttered a single syllable .
" I neither gave you the permission to enter this class nor to intrude on any of these promising students while they are brewing one of the most complex potions . "
The stranger shifted his glance from Seraphina to Severus , his face beamed yet again .
" Oh, Mister Znape ! What an honoz to meet zou ! " cried the young man, but Severus was no longer paying him any attention. His black orbs were fixed on the leaves of Alihotsy , smeared with blood on Seraphina's counter . The Ravenclaw hid her hand beneath her raven robes penuriously .
" I would like to see your hand, Miss Barclay, " said the young Professor.
" Merlin, forgive mi ! Actually zhe got a cut from the knife when I called out to her zuddenly, . " explained the handsome stranger .
Seraphina pulled her bloodied hand from beneath her robes, but before anyone could have taken command of the situation, Seraphina had her wand pointed at the finger with a light green stream of light pouring out of end of the Aspen wand . The thread of faint light encircled the blood-smeared finger, and within the blink of an eye, the blood was gone and the slit healed back to normal .
" Sorry for smearing the blood , Professor ." said the girl in a small voice as with another flick of her wand the blood and the leaves of Alihotsy disappeared from sight .
" Oh well, I am Dimitri Agapov , a journalizt from the Daily Prophet . I haz come for your interview, " broke in the voice of Agapov as he extended his hands towards the young witch .
" Rad znakomstvu Mister Agapov . YA dumal, chto eto rabota Ms Skeeter. Ty russkiy ili ukrainets, " replied Seraphina without looking at him , her head hunched over the new bunch of Alihotsy leaves . Everyone including Severus in the class shot the Ravenclaw witch a puzzled glace as she spoke a language she had never declared she knew .
" Russian ! You know Russian ! Well it would be my immenze pleazure to interview the youngezt Merlin awardee ! " Dimitri gushed zealously in a thick Russian accent .
" I don't give you permission to disturb any of my student while they are studying, " spat the Potions Master .
" But I haz Headmaster Dumbledoz's permizion for this," cried Dimitri .
" I beg your pardon for interrupting, but Mister Agapov, I would request you to please wait. I am halfway through my potion, and I don't want to leave it, " Seraphina broke in, but her head was still hunching over the cauldron with the dark purple liquid .
" As zou wizsh, Zeraphina . " agreed the Russian man .
" I assume your Daily Prophet has printed about Miss Barclay enough for you to know that she is Seraphina, not Zeraphina, " snapped Severus as he shot Dimitri an irritated look .
" It's fine, Professor. Mister Agapov isn't saying that deliberately , it's his accent, " explained Seraphina. Still she didn't raise her head when answering the men .
" Thankz, Zeraphina . Oh what zou prefer I call zou ?" asked Dimitri.
" Zeraphina will do fine, Mister Dimitri ." said the young witch nonchalantly.
Turning towards the black figure standing near them, Dimitri pulled out two pieces of parchment from his robes pocket.
" The Headmazter azked me to give zou this," said the Russian wizard as he placed one of the pieces of parchment on the counter . Severus took the parchment which read -
Severus, I would like you to provide your dungeon classrooms to Dimitri Agapov for his interview session with Seraphina Barclay .
Albus Dumbledore
The young Professor skimmed the sheet thoroughly with an arched eyebrow . Why would Albus ask Dimitri to have his interview in my classroom ? the question erupted in his mind .
" And yes, Dumbledore alzo gave me the permizzion to ztay here for the rezt of the clazz to obzerve how Zeraphina attends her lecture, " added Agapov as he comfortably seated himself . Severus didn't resist. It was the order of the Headmaster , hence it couldn't be denied, so after snapping the students back to reality, he went to his desk and sat in his chair, the parchment still in his long, slender fingers. He flipped it over to get a look at it's back where he noticed something else was written.
'To love or have loved, that is enough. Ask nothing further. There is no other pearl to be found in the dark folds of life.'
His arched eyebrow arched further. Why would Albus write such a quote on an official parchment ? Severus couldn't deduce the note any further. He tapped the end of his raven wand on the quote written on the parchment in Albus' curvy calligraphy. The green ink started to disappear, and from beneath it appeared another written note from Albus.
Dear Severus ,
The Daily Prophet has sent a reporter to interview Seraphina , but I suspect he would surely hint about Gilderoy Lockhart and also might try to ask her about the assault . I have asked him to hold the interview session in your classroom so you could monitor his questions, although I trust Seraphina. Still be cautious that the reporter doesn't try to get his hands on the truth of what happened at Malfoy Manor.
And yes, I heard that Seraphina and you were having deep conversations and a lovely stroll down in Hogsmeade . So, do I have the liberty to assume you two are growing closer to each other ?
Albus
The Dungeon Master was left wide eyed after he read the last lines of the letter from the old wizard. How could Albus think so impulsively about love ? Did that old man think that a girl like Seraphina would ever like a man such as him?
Eventually, the class ended with Seraphina brewing a presentable but still not perfect potion. Elenore brewed a better potion than her friend, while Lucifer almost burnt his cauldron from the toxic acid he had brewed. While everyone left the classroom, Severus asked Seraphina to stay back for the interview . Severus sat behind his desk with the bundle of essays on Felix Felicis that the sixth-years had submitted the last week. Seraphina and Dimitri Agapov sat at the end of the classroom facing each other.
" So, Zeraphina , how doez it feel to be the youngezt Merlin recipient ?" asked Dimitri in a cheerful tone. .
" It feels..." the Ravenclaw was at a loss for words . " It feels nice, " she said in a small voice . Her reply was followed by a train of questions mostly about her lifestyle , choices, and her aim in life .
" Zo, what do zou azpire to be ?" asked Agapov .
" I don't know, " replied Seraphina in a uncertain tone. Her raven eyes was as blank as her tone was .
" There is news on the Wizarding community about the Ministry being desperate to have you as an Auror, " commented the wizard with a thick Russian accent .
A baffled smirk took over Seraphina's lips as she heard the words of the man sitting in front of her.
" Auror is the last thing I would want to do."
The Russian wizard wasn't able to understand her assertion, but the adolescent girl intuited the unspoken question.
" When too many people want to achieve a particular thing, it becomes popular among the masses . I on the other hand, never do anything that the masses do. Nothing I do is deliberate; it's just my choices that doesn't go with the crowd. And I believe there are many students who want to become Aurors while I just don't find the job suited for me," explained Seraphina.
" Imprezzive ! Zo, what iz it that zou wants to do?" questioned Dimitri.
" I don't know what exactly it is that I want to do, but maybe something that could change the world--make it a better place for living . Something that is adventurous , which gives me knowledge, and yes, something that keeps me occupied for most of the time," replied the witch .
Severus was no longer marking the essays, but was listening toharking what the girl said , Why was she so admirable ? Somewhere deep inside his heart, he was thankful to The Dark Lord for choosing Seraphina for him. The young Professor was content because Seraphina never caused him pain, unlike what the curse was supposed to do to .
" Why do zou want to be buzy all the time? Don't you want to spend time with your boyfriend ?" asked Agapov , his voice tugged Severus out of his thoughts .The adolescent witch chuckled before answering.
" I doubt I will find one, " commented Seraphina .
" Why do zou think itz hard for zou to find a boy ? " question the reporter as he ruffled his dirty blond hair .
" I don't think it's hard to find one, but it's just my intuition," replied Seraphina.
" Maybe the Daily Prophet can help zou find a fine male," joked the young wizard with a chuckle .
" That's very sweet of you to say, but I feel that the one who is destined for me will cross my path, maybe even in a most unnatural way possible. But if someone is written in my destiny, I will surely meet him," said the Ravenclaw in a quiet tone .
The eagle feather quill slipped from Severus' hand as he heard what the girl whom he had imprinted upon said. The innocent girl didn't know that her destiny had already been set, and the Dark Lord hads chosen her for someone who didn't deserve her kindness , love , warmth, and her generosity.
" So, do you want to say anything about Gilderoy Lockhart?" asked Dimitri in a hesitant tone , his eyes hovered , ignoring Seraphina's . The brave girl no longer felt despondent, nor did she look dreadful when Lockhart's name was brought up.I Instead, her warm eyes overflowed with cold contempt for her former Professor.
" I feel you are crossing your limits, Mister Agapov . That question is way too personal to be asked," snapped Severus as he stood up from behind the desk .
" There iz nothing perzonal in this, Mizter Znape," snapped back the journalist. " And why are you intruding? After all, whatever he did was with her ?" he continued.
" Let me inform you, Mister Agapov, that your statement is very offensive, " hissed Severus as he tried to control his anger.
" I don't zee anything perzonal in thiz ! The whole world knowz that Lockhart iz in Azkaban for trying to..." Dimitri left the sentence incomplete after he realizing what he was saying .
" There is nothing personal in this, Professor ," the voice of Seraphina made itself heard for the first time since Batman broke in . " After all, my feelings aren't worthwhile in comparison to the top-selling story they will conjure up from my one statement, and the world will yet again get a chance to pity me . Leave it, Professor Snape, it isn't worth your time, " she added. There was no sign of emotions on her stony face . Slowly, she rose from the bench and collected her books, stuffing them inside her leather bag and started walking off .
" Zou can't leave halfway through the interview! More than half of my questions are left !" Agapov called for her from behind . The Ravenclaw didn't care to even turn to answer him .
" You deliberately lost your right to interview me, Mister Agapov, " said Seraphina . Before she could have walked any farther, Dimitri Agapov caught hold of her arm .
" I am zorry if I offended zou, Zeraphina . I am really zorry , please forgive mi, " pleaded the Russian wizard .
Before any word could have left Seraphina's lips another voice broke in .
" Apologizing after doing your actions deliberately is not worthy of any generosity or forgiveness. I appreciate your commitment towards your work, but that by no means give you the right to hurt anyone's feelings, especially when the topic is so delicate and the person has already gone through a lot . I would prefer if your apologize to Miss Barclay this very instance, Mister Agapov." the deeply cavernous voice of Severus Snape filled the room before the girl could have replied .
" Either you shouldn't have thought that low about me or you shouldn't be asking for my forgiveness . This makes your character weak and others opinion about it strong . But forgive me, Mister Agapov, but your thoughts saddened me more than your words offended me," said the witch in a calm tone without the hint of offense.
Finally she turned to face him ," I am very cognizant of what the world thinks about me, and for your information, it doesn't bother me because a very intellectual man told me that I should live my life the way I want, and not let the world bother me . And if you want to know about Lockhart , listen carefully. Yes, he thought about fornicating with me, but that pathetic thought died in his mind. where it had erupted . If you were expecting a crying girl when you asked about this, I am not sorry to disappoint you. Actually, I am very pleased to disappoint your pitiful thinking . Now let go of my arm, or I will have to ask Professor Snape's help because I am in no mood to talk to you anymore," declared Seraphina in a cold tone.
Dimitri Agapov's fingers loosened as the young witch's hand slid out of his grip, and she walked out of the Dungeon classroom. It took no time for the handsome wizard to pack his own things and he approached Severus before leaving Hogwarts .
"I don't know my way about thiz caztle. Could zou pleaze take me to Zeraphina? I... I... I wanted to zay zomething to her," said the reporter in a small voice.
" It would please her if it would be a genuine apology," commented Severus before walking off and indicating him to follow .
Soon they were at the entrance of the Great Hall which was neither fully packed nor scarcely populated. Seraphina was sitting at the far corner of a table in front of them with her nose buried in the book of advance transfiguration . Severus and Dimitri saw two students in the same robes as her approaching her . Severus walked towards them, and yet again the Russian wizard followed. As they vicinity increased they heard the voices of Elenore and Lucifer cursing.
The Potions Master spoke as they approached the three students." Miss Barclay , Mister Agapov want to say something to you in front of everyone. "
" I haven't denied anyone from speaking, " commented the adolescent Ravenclaw in a bored tone.
" I know zou wouldn't do it, but if zou can do zo, pleaze forgive me, Zeraphina," spoke Agapov .
" As I said before, I can't forgive you for offending me because I am not like others you have come across ." said Seraphina, her nose still in the book.
Wordlessly and somewhat ashamed, Dimitri Agapov left the Great Hall and subsequently Hogwarts castle. Severus, too, turned to leave the Hall, but when he reached the wooden door of the hall, a voice he could never say no to called for him . He turned to see Seraphina approaching him. She stopped near him .
" There was no need for that, Professor Snape, " she said panting.
" No need for what, Miss Barclay ? I didn't do anything . And if you think I asked that dunderhead to apologize to you , yes, I did, but it was in front of you, not before that . He wanted to apologize after listening to your highly commendable speech." replied Batman .
" You didn't ask him to apologize ?" asked a baffled Seraphina . Severus nodded. After another exchange of comments, they both went their own way .
ልረልክ
The next morning at the breakfast table, Lucifer slipped out the most obvious news for everyone except Seraphina.
" Batman applied for Defense Against the Dark Arts position again. "
" What do you mean by again ?" asked the young witch who was sandwiched between Elenore and George .
" Every time the new DADA teacher is to be appointed, he always applies, but Dumbledore never lets him take it," said George as he took a bite of his toast.
" I don't know why Headmaster Dumbledore wouldn't let him take that position because he has unparalleled skills in the Dark Arts, but I am happy with his decision."
" Why ? " asked a bored Elenore.
" Have you ever seen Professor Snape brewing potions? I am lucky to have seen him do so. It's like seeing a mesmerizing pirouette from a trained dancer . Have you ever contemplated his long slender fingers with which he precisely cut the Frankincense and the way his black hair curtains his lean and slender face when he tilts his head to brew . It exhibits a beauty in itself. It's truly blissful... " said the young girl with black glasses in a passionate manner .Lucifer , Elenore and George stared at their friend with looks of utter dismay and pure surprise on their faces . They had never seen her talking about anything but books with such compassion and depth. The four of them were all lost in their own thoughts - Seraphina was lost in thoughts about the way Batman brewed potions, and the Lovers and George were lost in thoughts about the abrupt divergence in Seraphina's behavior . What the four of them didn't noticed was the black figure of Severus Snape approaching their seats. Very unexpectedly, he stopped near the Ravenclaws and the Hufflepuff.
Severus had never heard anyone talking about him with such compassion and thoughtfulness . He felt compelled to stop by the table and speak with Seraphina.
George was the first one to come back to reality. He nudged the lovebirds, snapping them back as well. Eventually, the Ravenclaw's praises came to an end, and the enticing voice of Batman fell on their ears .
" Thank you, Miss Barclay . Count yourself lucky, for I have not applied for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. I like my potions, and the subtle art of brewing them . "
Scarlet dusted her cheeks as she turned to face the towering figure of her Professor.
" You're welcome , Professor, " Seraphina managed to whisper as she and her friends gazed at the black piece of silken cloak billowing behind Batman .
ልረልክ
February crept up and the romantic zeal of Valentine's day among students was flying sky high. Out of the blue, many new couples came into existence. Although it was a week until the day came, but the school was going crazy already . Valentine's Mistletoe hung high on the ceilings all across the school . Although Albus' main aim was Severus and Seraphina to end up under one such Valentine's mistletoe, but it was far from happening . But thanks to the old wizard many young and romantic couples got a chance to kiss each other in front of the horde of fellow students. Lucifer made Elenore run from beneath one , knowingly . While every girl was busy worrying about a Valentine's date for the Valentine's day party organized by Headmaster Dumbledore , Seraphina was busy figuring out why so many people, especially males, were sending her red roses and letters filled with romantic lines from Shakespeare or Victor Hugo and chocolate with Amortentia poured over them .
For a few days it was common to see Professor Snape and Seraphina receive in one day, as many owls as the total population of the school received in a week. Both were young , single, and had an Order of Merlin, First Class. The difference was the gender of the population from which both received the flowers , chocolates and letters . Sadly, none of those contented Seraphina because every sender sent something for their own purpose. The same was the case for Severus. But Seraphina came up with a innovative way to get rid of the flowers , chocolates ( which had the Amorentia removed from them,) and letters by levitating them in the air with the permission of Headmaster Dumbledore so every couple who was in the need of the flowers or chocolate could take it from there. To top it off, the Ravenclaw didn't even charge anyone for the service she was providing them with. The new initiative was well received by everyone, because no one had to go down to the village and buy a bouquet of red roses or firewiskey chocolates from Hogsmeade , where the shopkeepers increased the price of things due to the holiday . On the second day, all the gifts Seraphina received were taken, leaving behind many heart broken couples and a saddened Seraphina because not everyone received a gift.
Severus saw the zeal and happiness Seraphina spread by giving away what she received--by being selfless . She could have easily kept it all and could have shown off, but she decided to help everyone celebrate the day of love even when she had no one to celebrate the day with. Severus saw Seraphina sadly picking her food , feeling depressed for not being able to help more, even though she wasn't obliged to do so . A playful thought struck the young Potions Master as a wide smile crept up on his thin lips.
After the meal, Seraphina had a free hour , which she thought was best to spend in the library. While she was on her way, she was approached by Batman .
" Miss Barclay, I am impressed by your generosity, but how did you come up with this idea ?" asked Severus in an amused tone .
" Oh, it's just what I would have done with those gifts. At least it is useful for others because they have someone to give them to and share their happiness with." replied the young girl .
" I hope you don't mind if I also contribute to your generous initiative, " proposed the Professor .
Seraphina gave him a baffled look .
" Just like you, I have also received many gifts, and similarly to you, they are of no use to me. I would like to help you with your spreading of happiness," explained Severus .
Abruptly the face of the young witch gleamed with joy as she cried out excitedly.
" Oh, Professor ! Thank you so much ! You don't know how many more students will be able to gift their Valentine by this ! "
The young Professor gave the girl a reason to be happy, and it sent a wave of warmth through his body, relaxing his clenched muscles.
" Although I shouldn't be asking you this, but why do you think so much about them? " asked Batman .
" You know, Professor Snape ,I never had a Valentine date. Neither had anyone sent me a flower or these types of gifts. Well, that's not what matters; I just feel that love is very important for a person and these young couple give me a ray of hope that maybe I will also cross paths with someone destined for me . I know none of these explain why I am doing all of this , it's just that I feel happy for them for having someone to love them in their lives while sadly I don't. I believe there is no bad in spreading happiness," said Seraphina with a little chuckle.
Severus beheld the girl. He felt his muscles clenching again. Seraphina had so many hopes for the future and her destiny. What would she do when she found out that the one destined for her was her Professor, Severus Snape ? He didn't know what was he supposed to feel, so he pushed his feelings aside and helped Seraphina hang the Valentine's gift mid - air. The next day, both Seraphina and Severus hung their gifts in the Great Hall together, and occasionally Albus and Minerva, who happen to be passing by, gave the pair a mirthful smirk , which the young Ravenclaw didn't understand, and hence, she gave them her warm and welcoming smile. Finally, Valentine's Day arrived. Headmaster Dumbledore declared that classes weren't compulsory that day , so the students and the teachers were free to not attend or not conduct any classes.
That morning, among the bunches of red roses, another bouquet of flowers fell into Seraphina's lap, delivered by a brown barn owl . The roses in that bouquet were unnaturally beautiful and breathtaking , the raven color of the black, soft petals faded to blue as it reached it's end. The dew was still present on the mesmerizing flowers , and a fresh smell entered Seraphina's nostrils as she gazed at the bouquet, completely awestruck by it's beauty . It had a small note attached to it , which read -
For someone who is my sunshine of hope .
The Half - Blood Prince
After skimming the note several times , soon the awestruck look faded and a austere look came over her delicate features. She enquired about the Half - Blood Prince to the lovebirds, but no one knew who he was, and the adolescent Ravenclaw also confirmed that she knew no one with such a nickname. So, who was the Half - Blood Prince?
That morning, the duo of the Ravenclaw Prefect and Head of Slytherin House hung their gifts and the day started. But Seraphina kept back the bouquet of black flowers given to her by the Prince , not because they were beautiful, but because the Prince fascinated her, and he also seemed genuine . While most of the students ditched the plan to attend classes , not even Saint Valentine could stop the bookworm from attending her class . Although many Professor's cancelled their classes, Severus, by no means was cancelling his, no matter whether a single student came or not.
Seraphina was carrying a bouquet of blood-red roses with her on her way to the only class which had not been cancelled by its Professor that day - Potions . On her way to the Dungeons, she stumbled upon the janitor of school - Argus Filch. The grumpy old man shouted at her for her clumsiness and he made a mean remark about her Merlin award . She never had said or done anything to upset him, but his nasty behavior was universal towards everyone . The Ravenclaw simply gave him a warm smile, pulled out a rose from her bouquet, and extended it towards the man standing in front of her.
" Happy Valentine's Day, Mr. Filch, " said Seraphina in a cheerful tone. " No need to worry, it's not a prank, " she added .
Nonetheless, Argus took the rose hesitantly from the girl, wordlessly. The witch walked past him.
Down in the Dungeon classroom, Severus sat at his desk waiting for the few students he was expecting that day . Two Hufflepuffs entered , subsequently the Ravenclaw he was longing to see entered. Surprisingly, her nose wasn't buried in some book by a Muggle when she entered the room. Today, the book was pressed under her arms and an alluring bouquet took it's place . After greeting her Professor, she walked towards the two Hufflepuffs and yet again she pulled out two roses and gave each of them one . Severus observed her closely, but didn't say anything. He was amused by the new ideas the girl came up with constantly .
After a lecture on Confusing Concoction, the class was dismissed, and the Witch was asked to stay back , and so she did.
" Now, what is it that you believe giving a rose means, Miss Barclay?" asked the young Professor .
The adolescent girl chuckled softly before answering .
" It's no belief, Professor Snape. I just give roses to people who didn't received any from anyone. It feels nice to have at least one rose on a day like this," said Seraphina .
" You Ravenclaw's are really hard for me to understand, Miss Barclay," commented the Dungeon Master with a sly smirk . The girl didn't reply but chuckled further .
" Ok, the truth is that I never received any flowers in my life, so I just thought, why shouldn't I be the one to give roses and spread a smile on others faces? It makes my day," added the witch with a warm smile .
" So, if I assume correctly, you do all this because no one did it for you? Don't get me wrong here, but you are just sixteen. Aren't you being too sentimental at such a young age , Miss Barclay?" said Severus .
" Now it all depends upon your beliefs , Professor . And I believe there are two types of people in this world. The first consists of the people who think that if nothing good happened to them, then everyone in this world is cruel and the whole world is worth hating , while the second category consists of people who say that if something good didn't happened to me, I will take the initiative to spread happiness among as many people as I can anyway. Proudly, I belong to the second part of population . That is why I do all this, even when I gotten one before now," explained the young girl in a intellectual tone.
Severus gazed at the girl with a great deal of admiration . It took a great deal of courage to spread happiness, and Seraphina inhibited such courage , and at such a tender age . In simple words, the girl was impressive and admirable in every aspect possible. Wordlessly, the girl walked out of the class. Severus noticed a blood-red rose on the bench where she had sat. Picking up the rose in his slender fingers, a genuine smile danced on his lips . Why was it so impossible to understand the girl but so easy to accept her ?
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The evening of the fourteenth of February had an air of romance swirling around everyone. Everyone headed towards the Great Hall , clad in red. Seraphina also joined the red horde of students. She kept her robes placid and intentionally unattractive so that no male would ask her out . The Ravenclaw wore a pair of Muggle jeans with a red, silk shirt and a black sweater hung over her shoulders. Her dark blue sports shoes very unconventionally complimented her style for the evening .
As she approached the door of the Great Hall, she noticed George waiting there with a girl in the same year as him . The Hufflepuff wore a red suit-jacket with a pair of formal pants and a matching pair of shoes. Soon the lovebirds also showed their faces, and the group entered the Hall, which was highly decorated in the most fashionable way possible . Before the fun would have started for Seraphina, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick pulled her apart from her friends and dragged her outside the Great Hall.
" What is it that you are wearing, Miss Barclay ," cried the old witch in horror .
" Clothes, " replied the young witch in a uncertain voice.
" It's the Valentine's Day party, Seraphina. Why aren't you wearing a dress or someone like that? " the goblin broke in .
" What is so unacceptable in this Professor ?" asked the adolescent girl , scanning herself hesitantly.
" There is nothing unacceptable in your outfit, but have you seen everyone else? They are dressed up so nicely. You shouldn't constrain yourself from enjoying your life because of the few dunderheads who come into it, Seraphina, " said Minerva calmly.
" Ma'am it's nothing like that. I just don't have anything else to wear, and what's so bad in wearing something that I like? If I don't want to dress up, I simply won't do it even if everyone is doing it, " said the adolescent girl ." I hope you enjoy your evening, " she added as she walked back into the Hall.
Severus Snape wasn't interested in dressing himself in red robes , so he wore his usual black.. While walking past his desk, he noticed the rose Seraphina had left for him, and the same genuine smile crept on his face so he decided to take the rose with him..
Up in the Great Hall , which was packed with students, he made his way towards his colleagues , who similar to the others, were draped in red .
" Oh, Severus you're here ! What is this now?" asked an irritated Minerva .
Severus didn't have a single clue why Minerva was complaining about .
" You know, Seraphina and you will make a nice couple. You both are equally stubborn. You didn't wear something red, and she didn't wear a dress," said Albus in an amused tone. Scarlet dusted the young Professor's cheek at the assertion of the old wizard.
" I beg your pardon, but that's a gravely inappropriate thing to be said, Albus and Minerva. I think it's Miss Barclay's choice to wear anything she wants," said the young man .
" We have no problem with her robes, she always look elegant and smart no matter what she wears . The problem is the hesitation she is going through , she feels looking attractive, which she naturally is , will attract some unwelcomed attention to her . She is constricting herself from living a life because of one bad experiences she had to go through . I don't blame her but she can't live a life with this thinking ." explained Minerva .
Severus silently listened to the old witch , although he didn't wanted to agree but the truth can never be denied , so he scanned the Hall for the young witch , he was curious to know what the girl was wearing on romantic evening like this. He saw her plain robes , but unlike Minerva he was impressed by the elegance she carried with herself . Although she didn't wore a red dress like this other, despite that fact she looked distinguishable and lovely . Instead of dancing, she quietly sat in the corner of the Hall with a glass of butter beer in hand. Her head was hunched over a small piece of parchment that she was holding. He wanted to go and talk to her, but he didn't want to give Albus and Minerva more reasons to laugh at him and Seraphina.
Blodwyn Bludd was entertaining the population by playing many Wizard, and even Muggle, songs. Numerous boys dedicated uncountable songs to their Valentine's dates. The young Ravenclaw, too, received many dedications from boys who were desperate to have her as their Valentine, but Seraphina didn't paid them much attention. The band themselves dedicated to her the Muggle song ' Sending All My Love ' .
" Now, it's time for another dedication for our Merlin awardee - Seraphina Barclay, " declared the lead singer who had pearl-grey eyes with a slim face, and a devilish smile. " It's from someone called TH-BP… uncommon name, though . Here it comes for you, my girl - ' Photograph, '" he added .
Seraphina had never heard that name before. Who was he ? She scanned the horde only to find everyone with the same expression of bafflement on their face . The soul searching song filled the Great Hall, and everyone fell silent. The couple's caught hold of each other and started swirling in slow dance while the Ravenclaw witch again gazed at the parchment she had received with th alluring bouquet that morning . Abruptly, her raven eyes widened as she realized that THBP was the short form of The Half - Blood Prince . Who was this Prince ? After the sudden realization, she ran towards the stage where the vampire band was performing, but they refused to tell her the identity of the dedicator . Eventually she left the Hall. Severus saw her impulsively running through the Hall and then sadly leaving it without informing her friends . It didn't feel right to him, so he decided to talk to her about it.
Not a single soul was outside the Hall when such a happening party was going on inside, so it made it easy for Severus to find the girl and talk to her in solitude. As he had expected it was easy to find because she was out on the school grounds sitting on the ground, reading a book.
" I assume you like leaving parties and reading books instead, " said Batman in an amused tone .Seraphina raised her head, but her delicate face was so expressionless it looked as if it was carved out of stone .
" Do you know anyone who is called The Half - Blood Prince , or anyone with that nickname ?" asked the girl sitting on the grassy ground. She herself didn't realized what she was saying because of being so deep in her thoughts Before Severus could have said anything Dumbledore entered, his chuckle interrupted the conversation which didn't even got a chance to get started .
" I assume you two are having a nice Valentine's Day," said the Wizard with a chuckle as his eyes twinkled. Severus gave him a death stare. He hated it when Albus dragged Seraphina into his jokes .
Headmaster Dumbledore dragged the two back to the Great Hall . While the girl tried vainly to enjoy herself , Severus joined his colleagues who were having a hearty laugh on a topic unknown to him. As the two Wizards returned back to their colleagues who all had a mirthful visage casted on their faces .
" I am impressed by initiative Severus ." commented Filius .
" Yes at last you understood the importance of your and Seraphina's relations ." added Minerva .
" What are you all talking about ?" questioned the Potions Master in an impatient tone .
" This morning, Seraphina received a bouquet of black and blue roses which she kept. Those were signed by the name The Half - Blood Prince," explained Flitwick with a playful smile on his small face .
" I sent her those flowers because she never received one from a person genuinely . But that by no means signifies that I have crossed any limits I am abide to follow and those that Miss Barclay have constricted . It was plainly an act of reciprocal of the happiness she had gifted me unknowingly .So please stop fantasizing ." bellowed the young Professor .
" Severus , she is your life now. You can't let her go without even trying . She likes you, too, and who knows maybe she will be ready to be with you if she sees you have a heart that know how to love? " said Albus in an austere voice.
" But who dedicated her that song ?" asked Severus in a austere tone .
" It was me ." accepted the small Wizard in a defeated voice .
The young man didn't uttered a single word. It felt like he had lost his voice. He needed to tell the girl all this, but he found himself with the loss of courage to do so. The thing was, these acts of his colleagues can only bothering the admirable witch instead of charming her.
" Listen Albus, Minerva, Filius, and Hagrid, please don't do such things . It bothers her more than amuses her. Please don't try to spark things up between us . I request to let her complete school and then tell her all this . Whatever her decision would be, I will support it, and so will you all , promise me that . I don't want to force her to accept a man like me when she could have someone so much better than me in her life, " said Severus in a firm tone .
" But Severus..." started Albus .
" No Albus. Just a simple no. I respect her, and yes, I do admire her, but no , I can't ask her to forget her own life for my sake . I am not the most generous person in this world, but at least I can't be so cruel as to ask such a lovely girl like Seraphina for, such favor . I don't have the courage to do so," Severus cut off Albus before he could protest.
Reluctantly, the four Professors agreed, but no one was happy with the grave decision that the young man had taken just for the sake of the girl he had imprinted upon .
How will these two stubborn , determined, and unique Wizards fall in love with each other if they both are so against love? Albus sighed at the thought that erupted in his mind.