The New Life created in the Fall

Chapter Four

The rest of the week went by calmly and smoothly. It was the first week I experienced that I wasn't picked on, pushed around, or had things tossed at me. Ever since Draco and Blaise's display last Monday, nobody dared try anything.
Some students actually went out of their way to say hello to me. The stares also died down until it stopped completely. I've been able to sleep the entire night without a bad dream or staying up until 2-3am worrying and being sick about what pain I might deal with the next day.
Professor Snape has also been a big help. Everybody knows that if something was to happen to me, they'll deal with him if they're not met by Draco or Blaise first. Which is apparently isn't worth it to anybody. He'll also ask if I'm feeling alright anytime we pass each other in the halls or somewhere outside of classes.
With each day passing, I've become happier, not a hundred percent but definitely an improvement. Another thing I happened to notice, is the way my heart speeds up whenever I'm in Professor Snape's presence. Nothing negatively, but this feeling might be described as what it feels like having your first crush. I, personally, wouldn't go that far to say that, but his company is warming, soothing. Something that's irreplaceable.
It wasn't until this evening that I came to the conclusion that my feelings might be a little stronger than something casual.
Myself, along with Blaise and Draco decided on studying in the library after dinner, switching it up from being cooped up in one of our dorm rooms. The Hogwarts Library has always been a rather beautiful room. Walls after walls, shelves after shelves filled with books. Ranging in different sizes to colors to the information tucked between the pages. It's also been a very serene and quiet space. You wouldn't dare raise your voice too loudly without getting either a nasty look from the librarian or her simply kicking you out. If she catches you being disrespectful towards the leather style, older books that lay around in here, she'll ban you. And once you're that far gone, you're pretty much screwed.
The three of us found a lovely spot towards the back, only a few rows away from the restricted section, with a gorgeous view of parts of the school as well as the huge mountain ranges located around Hogwarts. From where we are located, we can spot the astronomy tower, with whatever students decided on hanging out over there tonight, as well as the Owlery. Some of our owls sitting in the open window frames while others come and go with letters or on a simple late evening flight.

"If I hear one more word about the ill intent you have towards Rin, I mean Ms. Riddle. I will have you expelled. Do I make myself clear?"
His voice strong, while at a reasonable volume for the library.
Draco and Blaise heard it to since they picked their heads up to listen as well. We're not entirely too sure where it's coming from but we know it can't be more than a row or two over. We sit in utter silence as we listen for more.

"But Professor..you can't tell me you haven't thought something negatively about her..once maybe."
Stuttered the now nervous student.
"Absolutely not and you even having the courage to say it makes me sick. There's nothing wrong with her, and never has been. This unprovoked hatred you and other students have for her is undeserving. You're nothing but scum."
Growled Professor Snape. His tone sounding like pure rage.
"Professor Snape. Why are you standing up for such a freak?"
Questioned the child, still pushing his limits with the already enraged adult.
"She's not a freak!"
He snapped. A thud sounding as the child dropped into a chair, too nervous to stand anymore.
"She-she's perfect."
Snape whispers. My quill drops from between my fingers, leaving a large blob of ink on my potions parchment. Perfect? No, I can't be that.

"We'll be right back Rin. Just focus on your studies okay?"
Comments Draco quietly as the pair stood, patting the top of my head gently. The two of them head off in the direction of the altercation.
"D-Draco? Blaise? I'm sorry! I was just teasing is all."
The students starts spitting half assed apologies when the two Slytherin boys round the corner, clearly catching him off guard.
"That's not what it sounded like, to us, that is."
Blaise remarked.