Secrets (A Severus Snape Story)

Chapter 15 - Soft Sides

A few days have passed and Hogwarts has been alright for me. The castle felt homely, but of course, I didn't have many friends. I made friends with Draco, which highly confused me. I spent most of my time in the Library or outside, near the Forbidden Forest. I don't see why the Forbidden Forest is... well forbidden, it's quite a calm place. For once, I felt at peace when I was at Hogwarts. No problems, nothing bothered me much anymore.

I've been having dueling practices with Snape as well. We talked about random things, but we never went over board by asking about our personal lives. That's something I understood about Snape, he didn't like people intruding in his personal life. I'm a decent dueler in my opinion, especially being trained by Severus Snape, one of the best duelers in his Hogwarts years.

"Raven? You alright?" I saw Judith waving her hand in front of my face. I shook my head slightly and looked at her with a dumbfounded look. "You dozed off a bit... Mails about to come." Judith said, concern in her voice. Ever since Draco and herself went to my dorms to check on me, I had to tell them that I had random emotional mood swings and that I lock myself in my room. It was partially the truth.

I watched as owls flew from the windows, each holding a letter or gift for a student. I spotted a gray owl, smaller than the other owls. Sirius' owl, John. Yep, Sirius named it John. What a creative name, I must admit.

"Hello John." I purred as the small owl landed on the table in front of me, dropping a letter in front of me. He hooted enthusiastically and nipped my fingers. "How's Sirius doing, is he behaving?" I asked the owl, tearing open the letter. Of course, he wasn't going to respond, but I still talked to John anyway.

Sirius has been doing fine! He's quite bored though, he doesn't get to go outside much!~

I dropped the letter in my hand, but quickly grabbed it. I looked at John with wide eyes. "Y-You spoke?" I stuttered, staring at the owl in shock. The owl hooted and stared at me with his big eyes. I wasn't expecting the owl to actually talk, what the actual fuck?

Nope, but I think you understand me! Nice! Now we can talk to each other!~

I yelped in surprise, was this some kind of joke? Judith turned to me and glanced at the owl. "Are you alright? You seem a bit off today." She asked, worry in her voice. I quickly recovered and nodded slowly. "Yea... just a bit tired." I lied, turning back to the owl.

"Hop on shoulder John." I said quietly, so only the small owl in front of me can hear. John hooted happily and hopped onto my shoulder. I shoved the letter from Sirius in my pocket, I need to read it later. I glanced at the High Table and caught my gaze with Severus. He kept a straight face as usually. I motioned him to follow me and I quickly walked out the Great Hall.

This was absurd. How can I speak to an animal?! This has never happened before!

"Raven?" I turned around to see Severus. I grabbed his wrist and began to drag him to the Black Lake. He, of course, followed, but he did question why there was an owl on my shoulder. I stopped when we were out of site and I turned to him, panic in my eyes.

"Explain why you decided to drag me out here." Severus said, clearly annoyed. I ran my hand through my hair and paced back in forth. This was freaking me out. Was I turning crazy?

"I...I... God, how do I explain this without sounding like a complete nutter!" I sighed heavily and turned to face Severus. He glared and held his hands behind his back. "Spit it out already, girl!" He barked, causing me to flinch slightly.

"Severus, I can speak to fucking animals!" I shouted, turning to John. I raised my arm and let the owl hop onto my arm. Severus gave me a bewildered expression. "Prove it." Severus simply said, eyeing the owl on my arm. I opened my mouth to speak, but closed it. How could I prove this...?