AN: Hey guys, I've been working on this baby all day. My Biology homework can wait! I've said it before, and I'll say it again. Thank you for your continued support, whether it be through favouriting my story, adding myself and my story to your alerts or reviewing me. I appreciate it! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it!

DISCLAIMER; All characters apart from Simona belong to the almighty J.K Rowling. I am but a lowly fanfiction writer who puts her characters back after writing about them.

CHAPTER SIX; IN TIMES OF STRESS AND AGITATION, ONE USUALLY FORGETS THEMSELVES

Simona's body cried with exhaustion. But relief washed over her as she watched Severus sleeping in the chair next to her bed. He looked so peaceful, and wondered if he thought the same thing when he watched her sleeping. Simona could hear a murmur of concerned voices, one of which belonged to Madame Pomfrey. "I'm afraid I cannot let you in to see Miss Sforza, Miss Ryan. She is still far too weak to receive any visitors," she said quietly, earning a sigh in indignation from Vicky. The room was far too warm, beads of sweat appeared on her forehead. Her hair felt wet with perspiration. She suddenly felt self-conscious. 'Merlin, I must look disgusting. I bet as soon as Severus wakes up he'll recoil in horror at the sight of me.' She thought, fiddling with her hands nervously.

"Severus?" Simona whispered, her voice cracking from lack of usage. Immediately a pair of onyx eyes snapped up at her, immediately sparkling with relief.

"Oh, Simona. Thank Merlin you're awake. I was so worried," he said, standing up and walking to Simona's bed. He signalled for Simona to sit up whilst he fluffed her pillows up. "Dumbledore's been to see you a few times. It looks like he's not going to expel you," He continued, softly pressing on Simona's shoulder to signal her to relax back into a more comfortable seated position.

"Why are you here?" Simona croaked. Severus' eyes flashed with hurt and he began to scowl.

"I can go if you don't want me here," he said bitterly, smoothing down his robes and looking away. Simona's eyes widened.

"No, I didn't mean it like that. It's just I heard Madame Pomfrey turning Vicky away, I was just wondering why you were able to stay with me, and not her," Simona said, panicking slightly. Severus heaved a sigh of relief and sat on Simona's bed, his dark eyes softening.

"Oh, well Dumbledore and Pomfrey knew that I wouldn't take no for an answer so they grudgingly let me stay with you," he said smugly, the corner of his mouth twitching, almost as if he was trying to smile. Simona tried to laugh genuinely, but felt too weak, she instead let out a squeak of laughter.

"I'm so glad you're here Sev," Simona said quietly, her eyelids feeling too heavy to keep open. She felt herself falling asleep. Just as she was on the brink of unconsciousness, she felt a warm hand cover hers.

'As am I Simona." Severus said softly. He watched her sleeping for at least an hour, how her ash-black lashes contrasted with her porcelain skin. Her full lips were curved into a small smile, and her wild black hair framed her face. She looked happy and so peaceful when she was sleeping. Severus internally cursed himself. He had strong feelings for Lily, his dear Lily, the girl who he met when they were both children, 'Lovely Lily'. And now he was starting to develop questionable feelings about Simona, his childish, stubborn, bad-tempered Simona. Pulling his hand away from Simona's, trying to shake off the feelings he felt towards her, he noticed she frowned and sighed. He had to leave. He couldn't show any more weakness towards anyone, it had already almost cost his friendship with Lily, he didn't think his heart could make room for two people. Getting up to leave, he looked back to see Simona's tranquil expression and swore under his breath. "Goddammit Simona Sforza," he muttered before leaving the hospital wing.

When Simona eventually woke up, she panicked. "Severus…" she said quietly, her emerald eyes searching for a sign of the black figure that was there when she fell asleep. "Sev, where are you?" She asked, panic and fear creeping into her voice. She didn't like being alone in the hospital wing. "SEVERUS!" She yelled, hoping he was just outside. Madame Pomfrey ran towards Simona's bed with a worried expression on her face.

"Miss Sforza, Messr Snape left a couple of hours ago," Madame Pomfrey said calmly. Handing Simona two vials of what Simona thought looked like vomit. "You're weak and confused Miss Sforza, take these potions. It'll make you feel better."

Reluctantly, Simona drank both of the potions, grimacing when the concoction slid down her throat. Immediately, the aches and pains that she had been experiencing in her bones had gone, she no longer had a migraine and she felt stronger. But the only ache she now experienced was the ache she felt when Severus left her. He was the only one who understood what she was going through, and he had left her. Fighting back tears, Simona slumped on her bed. Her crazy hair covering her face.

"Do you feel any better?" Madame Pomfrey asked softly, putting a caring hand on Simona's shoulder. Simona nodded, sniffing as silent tears fell down her face. "Good, Professor Dumbledore will be here to see you soon, and then after that you are free to go," Madame Pomfrey continued, patting Simona and cooing over another student. 'Merlin's beard.' She thought. Forgetting that she still hadn't received her punishment for last night, guilt washed over Simona again as she remembered how Vicky had been hurt, how Simona beat Rachel senseless. How she disappointed her parents. The tears fell freely from Simona's eyes, and became nerve-racking sobs.

After 20 minutes, and she felt she couldn't produce any more tears, Simona got up from her bed and looked out the window. It was bright, the sun beamed down from the sky with little/no clouds blocking its rays. Students were happily chatting and running around outside, enjoying the warmth. She gasped as she saw a lone figure, sat underneath a tree with what it looked to be a giant text-book she could see black hair. "Severus," She said quietly.

"Miss Sforza," Simona turned to see Professor Dumbledore, dressed in bogey green robes, his spectacles half-way down his long nose. "It's good to see you looking healthier Miss Sforza, could you take a seat?" Simona complied and sat down cross-legged with her fingers interlinked. She bit her bottom lip nervously. "You must be wondering what your punishment is for harming Miss Theodore yesterday evening," Professor Dumbledore stated calmly. Wondering was an understatement, it was all Simona could think about, sans Severus' abandonment. Simona nodded, thinking it would be best to let Dumbledore talk before saying anything. "I have corresponded with Professor Slughorn on what course of action would be the best to take. We have come to the conclusion that yourself and Miss Ryan will be moved to another dormitory to ensure minimal contact with Miss Theodore, you will be spared expulsion, but you will be subjected to 6 months worth of detention with Professor Slughorn. 150 points will be taken from your house, and you will be banned from the first 2 Hogsmeade visits. We felt it was foolish to take your cassette player from you, but it will reside with me. You will only be allowed access to it in my office." Simona flinched, but felt her punishment was fair.

"Thank you, Professor," Simona eventually replied. Professor Dumbledore looked confused.

"Why, whatever for Miss Sforza?" He asked, perplexed.

"For not expelling me, and for not treating me like some sort of monster. I know that's what I am," Simona replied, tears forming in the corners of her eyes. Simona felt frustrated, she was never usually this emotional, but she felt so relieved that she wasn't expelled. Professor Dumbledore treated her admirably. She appreciated that.

"We're human, Miss Sforza. In times of stress and agitation, one usually forgets themselves," Professor Dumbledore said wisely. "Now, if you don't mind, there's lemon drops with my name on it. Madame Pomfrey told me that you are now free to go. You will find Miss Ryan in the common room, she misses you," Professor Dumbledore bowed, before walking out of the wing. Simona stayed in her chair for a while longer, enjoying the peace while it lasted. Simona knew that Rachel, as soon as she recovered… Would waste no time in recounting her own version of last night's events, of course showing Rachel in a more 'favourable' light.

Reluctantly, Simona made her way back down to the common room, it was becoming dark, and only a short amount of time before curfew. She knew a lot of Slytherins will be there, she took a deep breath, braced herself and entered the common room. There was an eerie silence as at least 40 pairs of eyes snapped up at Simona at the same time. Simona would be impressed with their impeccable timing, were it not for the fact they were staring at her. Her cheeks growing furiously red she scanned the common room, looking for Vicky. She was sat at the back of the room, at the same desk Severus had yesterday. "Vicky," Simona said quietly, she didn't know what to say to her, other than apologise for what happened.

Vicky's eyes looked up at Simona and a smile spread across her face. "Simona!" She exclaimed grabbing Simona and pulling her into an air-constricting hug. "I'm so glad you're okay. I tried to visit you but Pomfrey wouldn't let me. I know it must be hard seeing everyone staring at you. Rachel tried to tell everyone how she was the victim, and for some strange reason most people believed her. There are some people, like me who were actually impressed that you stood up to her. But obviously not everyone saw it that way," Vicky said mumbling into Simona's shoulder. Simona stiffened in shock. Why did people believe the tripe Rachel was telling them? She hazarded a glance around the common room, the eyes were still staring at her. Judging. Again, Simona felt a blush creep up on her high cheekbones..

"I wish they would stop staring at me," Simona muttered quietly, looking uncomfortably at the floor. She wish they understood why she did what she did.

"It's okay, it's those who believe you that matter. Come on, I'll show you our new room. Thankfully we're sharing it with people who are on our side," Vicky said softly, putting a reassuring hand on Simona's arm. Vicky looked at those who were staring at her and snarled.

When they reached the top of the stairs, Simona entered the room with hesitation, the room was identical to her other room, but had different inhabitants. The two girls immediately started to walk towards Simona and Vicky, both grinning broadly.

"I'm Celestica, Celestica Reinhart. I'm so glad to meet you Simona. You really gave it to Rachel didn't you? I've been waiting for three years to teach that bitch a lesson," Celestica smirked, her think lips curling into a sneer, her dark blue eyes shining. Simona was taken aback by Celestica's language . But smiled in return, she found it amusing.

"And I'm Romagna DelVecchio. E per tua informazione, mi ha deluso non ho mai avuto l'opportunitĂ  di insegnare quella ragazza mia lezione personale," (And for your information, I was disappointed I never had the opportunity to teach that girl my own personal lesson) Romagna added with a wink. Simona laughed at this, she was glad she had a fellow Italian to talk to. Celestica and Vicky looked at the pair in confusion, causing Simona and Romagna to break out into giggles.

"Penso che dovremmo usare questo a nostro vantaggio. Che ne dici?" (I think we should use this to our advantage. What do you think?) Simona asked with a bemused smile. Romagna's brown curly hair bounced as she nodded, and extended her olive arm out towards Simona.

"Affare," (Deal) Romagna replied. Simona laughed and shook her hand. This was the happiest Simona had felt for what seemed an age. They both looked at Celestica and Vicky who looked worried.

"Is it just me, Vicky. Or do you think that what they just said is going to end badly for us?" Celestica said almost comically, hiding behind Vicky.

"Hanno paura di noi. Come divertente," (They are afraid of us. How amusing) Romagna added, a sadistic smile spreading onto her features. Simona could barely breathe as she convulsed with laughter. Perhaps not helping Celestica and Vicky's anxiety.

"It's okay guys, we were just messing," Simona said, still thoroughly amused. Romagna nodded. Both Celestica and Vicky sighed with relief. "Which bed is mine?" Simona asked, looking around the room.

"It's this one, next to mine," Vicky answered, Pointing towards the empty bed. Designed in the same way as the other room. Simona sat on the bed, wishing that she was tired enough to go to sleep, but still had pent up adrenaline from the previous night.

"Thanks. I'm going for a walk, I'm not tired," Simona said, looking at the other girls who were either changing into their pyjamas or yawning. She got up and put on her outdoor robe, all of her belongings were already on or next to her bed.

"You can't, Simona. It's too dangerous, plus it's past curfew," Celestica replied quickly. "I know you must have a lot of energy at the moment, but a few girls, friends of Rachel's are crying out for your blood. You could get seriously hurt," Celestica said with concern in her voice. Simone grudgingly agreed, it was a stupid idea. She knew that now.

"You're right. I'll just try to settle down and get some sleep," Simona said softly, smiling weakly at her new friend. Changing into her grey cotton pyjama bottoms and an oversized Hendrix shirt, Simona tied her unruly hair into a loose ponytail and climbed into bed.

"Night Simona," Celestica said as she got into bed too. Vicky mumbled the same thing as she turned towards Simona. Her eyes back to its original sparkle.

"Buonanotte." (Good night) Romagna said sleepily as she yawned.

Simona closed her eyes and tried to fall asleep, but was let down by her thoughts. 'Why did Severus abandon her when she needed him? Why, for Merlin's sake are people taking Rachel's side if she is so unkind to everyone, and conversely, why are Romagna and Celestica being so nice? Why didn't she get expelled? And finally, why in the name of all that is holy, did Dumbledore think those dreadful green robes suit him?' Simona chuckled to herself about the lattermost thought. 'He did look ridiculous though' she thought. After those thoughts circled in her head for what it felt was a long time, Simona finally slept, more out of exhaustion than anything else.

AN: Well, that's it. I'm already working on the next one, hopefully it'll be more exciting than this chapter. Google Translate is my new best friend, so I apologise if the Italian is not fully accurate. I hope you liked this chapter, don't be afraid to review it and tell me what you think! xoxo