𝓢𝓽𝓾𝓹𝓲𝓭 𝓖𝓲𝓻𝓵!

C8 Impending winter

The weekend went by slowly, which I was grateful for. I found myself growing fond of the little moments I would have with Snape. It was a cold winter, but he kept me warm. My heart always felt full when I was with him. In class, sometimes he would lean over me. The smell of him would envelop my senses. A light touch of his finger on mine when he would pass me in the halls or when he would take my book in class. I would smile and he would give me his own small smile occasionally or maybe a sneer if he felt like it. He could still be a git but I knew at this point it was all an act. The real Severus was buried deep within. I think the only person other than me who saw him for who he is, is probably Dumbledore. 

After dinner I went to the library to finish up some homework, I was getting bored of doing it on my bed. A few essays later, one worksheet, and I was done. I stretched in the chair. "Hi, is the seat next to you taken?" Looking up I saw a tall Slytherin boy, he had black hair and blue eyes. "Oh, no it's not taken. I was just about to go back to my common room." I started to gather my things and he sat down in the chair beside me. "I'm Jackson, Jackson Avery." He extended his hand and I took it, shaking it. "Raylona Black."

"I'm a year ahead of you but I've seen you around here and there." He gave me a warm smile. "Sorry, I don't think I've ever really seen you before." My smile faltered. "I've really got to go now, good night and erm... It was nice to meet you, Jackson." I grabbed my bag and headed back to the dorm. Homework was finished, still had half an hour before bed. I grabbed my towel, clothes, and shower stuff, walking to the girl's Ravenclaw bathroom.  I stripped out of my clothes, turned the knob, and embraced the hot water that soaked my hair and ravished my skin. It was like the stress melted off and was replaced with relief. I washed my hair, running my fingers threw, getting the soap out, and then lathering my wash cloth and scrubbing my skin. I was a tad sad to have to leave the water but I had to get ready for bed. I grabbed my towel and dried my hair and body. Then changed into my jammies. I brushed my hair and teeth quickly, cleaned my ears, and dashed out of there with all of my stuff. I put my dirty clothes away before climbing under the covers and snuggling up to my pillow, my eyelids becoming heavy. I don't even remember actually falling asleep but the next thing I knew:

The hot water stung my skin at first but then my body got used to the temperature and I relaxed in the water. I was in a hot spring, the water smelt of lavender and I felt as if my body was being cleansed. Soft arms wrapped around me and surprised me, I turned around and was met with my potions professor. "What are you doing here?" It came out in almost a whisper but he pressed up against me. "I could ask the same as you." He pressed his lips against my neck. Soft gasps escaped my lips before I could do anything. He cupped my face with both hands.  He softly kissed my lips and I gave in to him. He dipped us below the water, stared into my eyes, and caressed my arms as he took me deeper into the never-ending abyss. There wasn't a need for oxygen or to get out of the water. There was calmness and him. I think at that point we just sank farther and farther beneath the water, slowly sinking, slowly feeling. I believe at this point there was and always would be him. He grabbed both my hands and pulled me closer. "Raylona?" I tried to reply but water filled my lungs and I started to panic. I tried to swim back up but something caught my foot. Looking down Severus was gone and seaweed tangled around my legs. I tried to scream at the sudden need for air but bubbles came out. "RAYLONA!" I jolted awake, grabbing my throat and breathing raggedly. "Are you alright?!" Wednesday put her hand on my shoulder. My blanket had wrapped around me and I was sweating. "I- 'm fine, just a bad dream." It was four in the morning and I was getting glares from the other girls in the room. Wednesday went back to her bed. I laid back down covering my face with my hands.

"He's haunting me in my sleep now." I whispered to myself. From the moment he saved me to now, he had for the most part been on my mind. Now he was in my dreams, taunting me. teasing me. His touch had been so real, he himself had felt real. So did the drowning but what was a girl to do? It took a little but I fell back asleep, it was nice and dreamless. I woke up and got ready. Aimlessly wandering to the Great Hall for breakfast. "Raylona! Hey! Wait up!" Jackson was running towards me, his robes billowing behind him. "Oh, hey Jackson. Good morning." I mumbled. "Morning didn't sleep well I take it?" I sheepishly smiled. ''I feel like a zombie." I groaned and he patted my back. "It will be ok, you probably just need to eat." He walked me all the way to where I usually sit and I looked up at Snape who was sneering at me. At least I think he was. "Hey Jackson, would you like to sit with me today? Maybe lunch too?" He sat down opposite me. "Sure, never sat at the Ravenclaw table before but sure." He chatted for the most part while he ate and I would add short replies to his conversation. I would occasionally look up at the Professor's table and his eyes would be glued to me, his face didn't betray him but his eyes did. I smirked and he got up. I thought for sure he would come over but he strut out of the great hall instead. Everyone's heads turned, silently watching the professor that everyone feared. "Huh, wonder what's up with him today." I shrugged at Jackson and finished my breakfast but I knew I would pay for it later. My intuition told me, Severus was jealous. He'd probably never admit it but he'll act like it.