How You Remind Me (Snape / OC)

Friends

3 weeks had passed and Liliana was stood with some of her Gryffindor house mates when Professor Snape walked past. He caught her looking at him and tried to scowl but something inside forced him to give her a small smile.

"Bloody git." Ron scoffed, making Snape turn on his heels and storm towards him, "What did you just say Weasel?" Snape seethed, irritated by the boy. "You heard me!" Ron fumed as Snape contemplated grabbing his neck and snapping it there and then.

"You will not speak to me in that manner again! 20 points from Gryffindor for your attitude."
"Calm down you loser, blimey it's no wonder everyone hates you!"
"Leave him alone!" Liliana cried, hating to see Ron's cruel behaviour.

Snape stared at her and froze on the spot, Lily's voice echoing in his head. He couldn't cope, he had to get out of there..

As much as he wanted to pummel Weasley into the ground he felt vulnerable, he quickly regained his composure and darted off down into the dungeons.

"Did he just smile at you?!" Hermione blurted out in shock. "No, it was probably wind." Harry scoffed. "It is alright for a person to smile isn't it?" Liliana huffed. "Yes, but not if they're Snape!" Ron grinned.

"I don't see why he gets so much stick.." Liliana confided in Hermione as they made their way to charms class. "He's not been the nicest of Professors." Hermione explained, partly defending the boys. "Everyone has bad days. Yes, he's strict but he hasn't been particularly nasty."

Hermione couldn't disguise the grin that appeared on her face, it was as though the dungeon bat had an admirer.

〰〰〰〰

As the day went on Liliana couldn't believe how horrid some of her fellow students could be. She was from a family that brought her up to be kind and respectful and most importantly.. 'To treat people how she would like to be treated.'

She made a detour towards the dungeons as she left dinner, she had promised to play a game of wizards chess with Hermione in the Gryffindor common room but she wanted check everything was alright with Professor Snape, after all, he had darted off looking rather stressed.

She knocked at the door to his class room and awaited a reply, but she didn't receive one. She sighed to herself and wondered if he was purposely ignoring those who called for him.

"Miss Valance, is there something I can help you with?" A familiar voice drawled from over her shoulder. It was Snape.

"You really need to stop making me jump!" She scoffed, a chuckle escaping her as she blushed. "Well come in then girl, don't just stand there!" Snape spat as he pushed the door open and held it.

"What do you want?" He sighed, as he closed it behind her. The scent of her luscious red hair tantalising his senses. "I wanted to see if you're ok? Ron was really horrible to you earlier and you looked rather upset."

"Im quite alright, and your concern isn't required.. it wasn't that foolish boys words that effected me it was... is there anything else?" Snape replied nonchalantly, wishing to change the subject.

"No, Sir. I guess I'll be going then" she smiled, not wanting to outstay her welcome.

"Wait!" Snape piped up as her hand reached for the door handle. She looked at him. A beaming smile emblazoned on her porcelain skinned face.

"Why do you care?" He asked, squeezing his eyes shut because he felt so awkward.
"I don't like bullies, and... I like you. As a professor I mean!" Liliana blushed, realising how it could have sounded.

Snape was lost for words, she didn't detest him? How could she not?
"You're way too good natured to worry about an old fool like me, but thank you. I haven't heard someone say that in a long time..."

Snape couldn't believe what had just happened, 'gods she's perfect, just like Lily. She's beautiful and too kind for her own good.. just like... I can't handle this!' He cried, slamming the door behind him as he left the room. 'I need to talk to Albus.'

〰〰〰〰〰

"Ah Severus! Just the man I wanted to see. I have to ask a favour of you!" Dumbledore beamed.

"Well that favour can wait Albus, you need to get that girl out of here!" Snape scowled, "are we still climbing the walls over Miss Valance, Severus?" The old wizard chuckled, "Its not funny! She's... well she's... nice to me!?" Snape panicked.

"Oh Merlins beard! The girl has the audacity to be nice to you! We must have her hung, drawn and quartered at once!" Dumbledore snorted.

"Albus... why on earth would she tell me she likes ME? I have no redeeming qualities that could possibly warrant it! Merlin, she's even trying to be my friend!?"

"Dear boy, is it so bad that she wishes to be your friend? only, you seem to speak very highly of the girl. You haven't used the words 'dunderhead' or 'insolent brat' once."

"You are really enjoying this aren't you? Bringing her here when you know she looks just like Lily... you told me that you aren't plotting something but how can I believe a word you say!" Snape huffed.

"Why don't you just allow yourself to be friends with the girl? Hmm? Maybe it's just what you need." Dumbledore smirked knowingly.

"I don't need friends thank you very much I've lived the past 20 years without friends and managed just fine! I can see I'm wasting my time here.." Snape spat, shoving Dumbledore out of his path and storming away.