AN: Hey guys, I am so sorry I haven't updated in a couple of days, I have been completely bombarded with homework this week and I just haven't had the time to upload this. I have struggled a bit to write this too, again, thank you so much for your support. It is appreciated, and I really enjoy reading your reviews. They make me want to continue writing. I'd love to hear what you guys think of the story so far! I hope you enjoy this chapter!
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 EIGHT; A KNIGHT IN SLYTHERIN ROBES
It was now the last lesson of the day, Muggle Studies. After an awkward Potions lesson, which involved a lot of hateful stares from most of the Slytherins. Simona was glad that she no longer had to deal with the contempt she received from her fellow housemates, as none in the History of Hogwarts had ever taken Muggle Studies at O.W.L., or N.E.W.T. level. Simona dragged her feet into Professor Jennison's classroom and sat at the back by herself.
"Good afternoon class, as part of your third year we will be completing a project based on an aspect of muggle life of your choosing." Professor Jennison said, half-bored. Her light-blue eyes idly scanning the class of eager Hufflepuffs. "Over the years students have done projects such as cooking a meal using muggle appliances, creating their own muggle magazine, it is entirely up to you. You can choose whether or not to work in pairs, if so, write your ideas down. Grab some textbooks if you need them and then hand me your ideas at the end of this lesson. I will then be asking you all about your ideas and decide at that time if they are appropriate." Simona sat up a bit straighter and grabbed a piece of parchment from her bag. She lazily doodled 'Muggle Studies Ideas' in scruffy handwriting and tapped her quill on the parchment, wracking her brain for ideas.
After five or so minutes of nothing, Simona decided to grab a textbook from the back of the class, in doing so she accidentally ran into a Ravenclaw who immediately scowled. "Watch where you're going, Sforza." A girl with obsidian black eyes and dark brown hair snapped as she picked up the textbook that had dropped on the floor. Simona raised an eyebrow at her. "I know what you did to Rachel, you... monster." The Ravenclaw snarled maliciously. Simona closed her eyes, trying not to get herself drawn in.
"I know... that what happened between myself and Rachel is none of your damn business." Simona said quietly, once again adapting the same dangerous tone that Severus used whenever he got angry.
"Ladies, what's the hold up? We have many magical muggle mysteries to research!" Professor Jennison said sarcastically, trying to stifle a yawn. The Ravenclaw smiled at Jennison, which made Simona feel sick. Simona nodded, and sat back down at the back of the class with a scowl on her face. Softly she started singing to herself 'Oh, a storm is threatening my very life today If I don't get some shelter, Oh yeah, I'm gonna fade away'
At that moment Simona felt as though a muggle light bulb had turned on above her head. 'I'll sing a muggle song.' Simona thought, her quill feverishly scribbling down her new idea. Simona loved muggle music, and was constantly muttering the lyrics to different songs. This was perfect for her. Professor Jennison was skulking around the classroom, trying to look interested in what some of the excitable Hufflepuffs had to say to her. By the end of the lesson, after trying to avoid even more death glares from the Ravenclaw Simona accidentally ran into, Professor Jennison called the class to hand her their ideas. Simona was at the back of the queue, trying to go unnoticed.
"And finally, Miss Sforza. Miss Sforza, what are you thinking of doing for your project?" Professor Jennison asked monotonously.
"I'd like to learn and perform a muggle song, professor." Simona replied, trying not to sound as excited as the Hufflepuffs. Jennison raised an eyebrow.
"Interesting, that's never been done by anyone before." Jennison replied thoughtfully. Simona smiled internally at this, not only was she the first ever Slytherin to take Muggle Studies, she was the first ever student to think of performing a muggle song for their project. A few of the Hufflepuffs who were still gathered around Jennison's desk looked livid, mainly because the majority of their ideas were denied or sneered at.
"Well I like to be different." Simona smirked. Causing the Hufflepuffs to scoff in indignation.
"I look forward to seeing what you come up with over the coming weeks Miss Sforza, you may leave now." Professor Jennison said, waving her hand lazily.
Simona hurried out of the Muggle Studies classroom to go to the Great Hall for dinner. Simona spotted Severus, who was sat opposite Avery and Rosier. She also spotted the girls she shares a room with chatting animatedly. Simona decided to sit with the former, wanting to know what it was Severus was going to say before they were interrupted by the Gryffindors. "Avery, Rosier." Simona said monotonously. Avery and Rosier both nodded in acknowledgement of Simona as she took a space next to Severus, who yet again had a large tome, which he gave all of his attention to.
Simona piled up her plate with food, and sipped from her goblet of pumpkin juice as she watched Severus, fully engrossed in an ageing book entitled 'Curses, Hexes and Unforgivables; The A-Z of Essential Dark Magic' Simona rolled her eyes. He was forever reading, especially about Dark Magic. She had to admire his dedication, even if the subjects he read about scared her. Simona decided not to talk to either Avery or Rosier, she disliked them both, and instead thought about potential muggle songs she would sing for her Muggle Studies project. 'It had to be rock' she thought, it was all she ever listened to at home, even her adopted parents liked it. After that thought she was distracted by black eyes staring into her green ones. "Simona, I didn't see you arrive?" Severus asked, confused.
"I got here 15 minutes ago Sev, you were obviously too into your book to notice me arriving." Simona replied with a scoff and raised an eyebrow. Severus blushed at this slightly and looked back down at his book. Simona got out some parchment and her Charms Textbook and started on her homework, 2 full scrolls on the uses, advantages and disadvantages of the Cheering Charm. Simona sighed heavily and started scribbling her essay onto her parchment.
Simona gave up on her essay after completing a scroll and started tapping her quill on the table, she felt bored and wanted to go back up to the common room. "Simona, I'm going back to the common room, are you coming?" Severus said, as he slammed his book shut, as if he had read Simona's mind.
"Yeah sure, Sev. Just let me pack my stuff away." She said politely as she stuffed her textbook and parchment into her worn and tattered brown leather bag. She swung it over her shoulder and nodded at Avery and Rosier, who just stared at her in return. The two Slytherins walked out of the Great Hall down to the dungeons in companionable silence, when Simona realised it was the prime time to ask about what happened the other day. No one was around, and Severus seemed to be in a relatively neutral mood. Simona swirled around and caught Severus' attention. "Sev, can I ask you something?" She said quietly. Severus merely nodded and raised an interested brow. "What were you going to say to me the other day, before those Gryffindors interrupted you?" Simona continued, trying to sound as even as possible, covering up her intrigue.
"Nothing, it's not important." Severus snapped back, blushing furiously. He couldn't tell her, he didn't want to freak her out, by telling her how he felt about her. He was too pre-occupied in his mind during that conversation, trying to block out his feelings for Simona when he slipped. And told her about how he was upset about how her friends were treating him. He had to brush it off, claiming it was not important or it would open up the flood-gates, he wouldn't be able to block out his feelings for her anymore.
"Fine, Sev. It's just I was wondering you know? It could have been important." Simona sighed, she believed him. He would have told her if it was important, wouldn't he? She knew it was silly, but she secretly hoped that he was upset about her friends and how they treated him because he cared about her. And he wanted to be accepted by them to be accepted by her. Simona internally cursed herself 'Of course he doesn't think that, ragazza stupida (stupid girl)' Severus could see the flash of disappointment in her eyes, and felt his heart twinge for her. He brushed it off quickly, 'She probably isn't even interested in you anyway, stupid boy.' He thought, although he kept his face neutral, unfazed by his thoughts.
"Have you done that Charms homework yet?" Severus asked, trying to break the awkward silence that had seemed to envelop them as they had their own internal monologues.
"Almost, I did half of it during dinner, you might have noticed if you didn't have your nose in that giant book of yours." Simona teased, batting him on the arm playfully. Severus jumped at Simona's unexpected touch and blushed slightly.
"It's a good book." Severus said with a raised brow, cringing slightly at his pathetic comeback. Simona chuckled at this.
"That was weak Sev." She said with a smirk, before laughing again.
"It won't be weak when I try out some of those spells on Black." Severus replied darkly, hatred flashing in his eyes. Simona looked startled at his sudden mood change. She didn't show this outwardly.
"First the conjunctivitis curse, and now you're going to subject him to the A-Z list of hexes and curses, poor git won't know what's coming." Simona said sarcastically, rolling her eyes. Severus' rich chuckle reverberated throughout the corridor when they reached the steps. "Ladies first." Simona said with a teasing smile. Severus scowled at her and reluctantly went down the stairs in front of Simona who giggled from behind him.
When they reached the common room, Simona noticed the glares she received from some of the Slytherins. Simona had had enough, she thought now would be a good time to confront Rachel. Simona saw Rachel sat with a group of about 5 Slytherins who seemed to be giving Simona the biggest glares. Simona marched straight towards them, her eyes giving them the same hateful scowl, leaving Severus behind her. They stared back at her, but eventually got disinterested and started chatting amongst each other. "Rachel, could I have a word?" Simona said irritably, still scowling at the people who were sitting with her.
"Why, do you want to hit me again?" Rachel replied trying to look frightened. Simona rolled her eyes at this and tried to reign in her temper.
"No, I want to know why you have been talking about me behind my back." Simona shot back, curling her hands into fists. The group she was with finished their private conversations and turned to look at Simona, causing Simona to become uncomfortable under their gaze.
"People need to know the truth, Simona, that you're a monster. You don't deserve to be in this house. You're a disgrace, a disgrace to Salazar Slytherin." One of the members of the group said, standing up and towering over her. His ice blue eyes boring into hers, full of hatred. Simona closed her eyes, starting to lose control of her building temper.
"This is between myself and Rachel, stay out of it, Nelson." Simona spat out, her emerald green eyes going dark, causing the Slytherin boy to step back slightly.
"Why should he, Italiano? At least he isn't a traitor." Rachel replied with a smug grin. It took all of Simona's strength to prevent herself from pouncing at Rachel. The other Slytherins started to laugh, Simona's mouth turned into a snarl.
"At least I'm not a liar." Simona snapped back, her now black eyes burning holes into Rachel's.
"Those are pretty big words for someone so small." Rachel replied mockingly, standing up and towering over Simona. The Slytherins started to laugh even harder, Simona's face started to burn red with anger, and she could start to feel the same hatred she felt on that fateful night.
"My size didn't stop me from kicking your ass." Simona said through gritted teeth, Rachel stepped closer to Simona, Simona closed her eyes again trying to push out her anger. Simona jumped when she felt a bony hand resting on her shoulder, she turned around to see Severus staring at her, looking mildly concerned.
"If it isn't Snivelly Snape looking out for his blood-traitor girlfriend." Rachel said menacingly, the other Slytherins laughed again. Severus' face flushed red and his eyes snapped to Rachel, narrowing.
"Simona." Severus began with emphasis. "Is not my girlfriend, but she is worth at least a hundred of you. Who do you think you are, telling lies about Simona behind her back, when the only treacherous person I see is you? " Severus snarled stepping in front of Simona protectively. "You attacked Simona, you provoked her and you hexed her friend. Frankly, you deserved what you got, and Simona deserves to be seen as a normal girl who just lost her temper, not the monster YOU make her out to be." He continued stepping closer to Rachel, who could only open and close her mouth.
The whole common room was watching Simona, Rachel and Severus in awe. Severus had never stood up to anyone, for someone else so publicly, he either never did it at all or only ever did so when there were less people around. Simona beamed on the inside, believing for the first time Severus actually cared about her, as a friend. Severus turned to look at Simona who was looking back at him in shock, his hardened expression softened slightly. "Are you okay?" He asked, sliding his hand down to Simona's arm.
Simona could only smile weakly and whisper "Yes, thank you Sev," Severus nodded curtly at this and strode off up the stairs and into his dorm room where he slumped onto his bed and took his robe off, he lay on his bed and looked up at the ceiling. 'What in the name of Merlin did I just do?' he thought to himself. 'I was supposed to back off from Simona, not give her ideas that I care about her… Even though I do' He thought as he ran a hand through his hair in frustration. He sat up and went to the window-sill and sat back down looking out into the stars. 'She could have handled it by herself, I didn't have to march in there like one of those dunderheaded Gryffindors' he snarled internally as he thought about his actions. He crossed his legs and sighed. 'She was there for me when I needed her, I guess I was just repaying her kindness.' He concluded as he ran a hand through his hair again. He leaned against the stone wall and smirked slightly when she told Rachel that she could kick her arse. 'It probably isn't wise to mess with a 5"2 Italian.' He thought laughing quietly to himself.
After Severus had left, and the Slytherins were still gawping at what had just happened, Simona went up to her room to find Celestica and Vicky sat on Simona's bed with an expectant look on their faces. "What?" Simona asked rather irritably as she looked at them.
"I heard that you stood up to Rachel." Celestica said after a moment of silence, she looked impressed.
"Yeah, I guess I did." Simona replied, becoming uncomfortable under their inquisitive gaze.
"Heard that you threatened to kick Rachel's arse again." Vicky replied with a smirk. Simona sighed and raised an eyebrow. 'News sure travels fast around here' she thought.
"I didn't say that. I just said that my height never stopped me from doing it." Simona said slightly annoyed. One thing she disliked about gossip is that it was usually misconstrued.
"Apparently Snape came to your rescue like some knight in Slytherin robes." Celestica said airily, with a mischievous glint in her eye.
"So what if he did, he was just sticking up for me, like a good friend would." Simona said back rather too quickly. Severus did indeed stick up for Simona, but they were making Simona out to be like some 'damsel in distress', and Simona didn't like that.
"Yeah, yeah. Simona and Severus sitting in a tree K-I-S-" Celestica and Vicky started to sing in a childish tone.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!" Simona yelled, the anger returning to her voice. The two girls were stunned into silence and walked sulkily back to their beds. Simona regretting raising her voice to her two new friends, but she was too tired to deal with their questions, and relentless mocking. She needed to sleep.
After changing into her pyjamas Simona yawned, looked apologetically at the two girls, Romagna had come back whilst Simona was changing and had already fallen asleep. Simona climbed into bed and attempted to fall asleep. Hoping that tomorrow would bring less prying eyes and animosity.
AN: So I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I have certainly enjoyed writing it, as I do with all chapters. I hope you guys get more of an insight into how Severus feels about Simona, obviously he is very confused at the moment. He does like her, but he is scared he is going to hurt her because of the fact he is in love with Lilly. I think I'll write more interaction between Lilly and Severus in the upcoming chapters, to show their relationship. Please review. I don't want to start begging you guys but telling me what you think really helps with the writing process! A huuge thank you to tigger626, kittyprettypyrde, Sara Konatxe, Tenderheart78, CharlieSinclaire, ThisIsNotSarah and Cassia4u who have reviewed me thus far, you guys ROCK! Just so you know, the song Simona sings in this chapter is 'Gimme Shelter' by the magnificent, British band- The Rolling Stones! xoxo