Jean's Tale
By Rurple101
Chapter Eight
Over the next few days, Jean found it quite easy to blend into the atmosphere of the magical castle. She'd already observed and made mental notes to research as she walked down corridors to her classes.
Her classes were extremely interesting and for once in her life, she knew she was the most advanced student in the room. She memorized facts and absorbed more and new information quickly. For example, when she was in transfiguration, Professor McGonagall has awarded her twenty points after demonstrating the relatively new and basic spell to transfigure a pin into a needle, on her first attempt!
At first, she avoided Severus when she spotted him coming towards her, but thankfully walked with her new friends for company.
She didn't see much of the Marauders (who'd blossomed a lovely friendship with each other) as she was in a different house, but her friends in Ravenclaw made her very welcome and proud that she was in their house.
Half the time she wondered if she should have been placed in Gryffindor but bit down on her lip when that though occurred.
Lily tried to be all friendly with her but since the welcoming feast; Jean had almost forgotten their timid truce. Lily forgot about it, for sure, because Jean (after a few weeks) would see them sitting together talking.
One time nearing the end of September, Jean sank down onto a cold bench in the courtyard and sighed heavily.
What was she going to do about her crush on Severus? If she never forgave him or spoke to him, then he'd never want to be with her, just stupid Lily.
A tear trailed unwanted down her cheek and she didn't bother wiping it away, just staring at the sky in the quiet space.
Then she heard familiar footsteps and a conflict of sorts. Looking up she saw James, Remus and Sirius in front of her. In front of them, was Severus.
She got off the bench and weaved through the line of protectors, smiling slightly.
"What's the matter?" she asked Remus.
"Snivellus wanted to speak to you Jean" James spat. His wand was in his hand, his fingers curling into a fist around it.
"I'm not a delicate jewel that can wilt with one breeze guys" she said quietly. "I'm a fighter and I know enough spells to protect myself. Now, shoo!"
She waved her arms with her words and they grudgingly departed, James glaring at Snape as he did.
When they were alone, Jean looked sideways at Severus.
"What do you want Severus?" she asked, in the same quiet voice.
Severus's face softened and he stepped forward, and wringing his hands.
"I'm….I want…I should have….I…I…"
Jean walked forward and placed one of her hands to freeze his moving ones.
"Calm down and start again Severus, what is it?" her voice wasn't cold, just low and curious.
Severus took a deep breath and then looked up to meet her gaze. She felt her heart begin to beat really fast and she gulped slightly.
"I…I'm…I'm…I'm..am very sorry!" he blurted out and tackled her into a hug, his hands round her small waist and his head on her chest. She could feel him sobbing as she froze, slightly moved and surprised at the same time.
Slowly she lowered her hands onto his shoulders and pulled him off her so she could see him face.
"For what?" she asked.
"What I did, all those weeks ago! I dunno what came over me! I think I'm turning into my dad!" he cried, actual tears pouring down his cheeks.
"Oh Severus!" she sighed, wrapping her arms round his neck. "You're not your dad! You probably just got a bit angry because I'm a nerd and not the best friend you'll ever have!" she sounded sad, but in truth she felt she was being sarcastic.
Severus's head shot up at once. "You're…you ARE my best friend!"
She looked coldly down at him. "And Lily is?"
There was a pause. "I think I fancy Lily…but you make me happy."
"Because I actually pay attention to you and she doesn't?"
"Sort of yes."
Jean sighed, and detached herself from Severus.
"You're forgiven, just don't do that again, I feel like I've lost you Severus."
"You haven't lost me!" he said determinedly.
She rolled her eyes. "I have Potions…"
"I'm in your class Jeanie" Severus stated quickly, returning to his usual arrogance.
A flare of irritation and sadness bubbled in her stomach.
"Let's get going then!" she snapped and she stalked off, him following and sighing in her wake.
