How You Remind Me (Snape / OC)

Albus Steps In

"Could I borrow Miss Valance, Professor Flitwick? Only, I require an urgent word." Dumbledore smiled at the Charms professor happily. If anything, trying not to draw attention to the situation.

"Of course!" Flitwick squeaked, ushering Liliana from her seat towards the door.
Dumbledore scanned her face as she joined him outside of the classroom, looking for signs of her wellbeing.

"Shall we take a walk? It's a lovely day for it!" He beamed, locking arms with her before she could reply.

"I hear that Severus has told you the truth about your biological parents." He smiled softly, "I know that it must come as quite the shock. I must press that I would have told you sooner if there were to be no possible consequences.... I'm not pleased with Severus for telling you the truth at the present time, but he is strong willed and quite obviously consumed by your.. presence in his life."

"Professor, I don't understand. This is all a bit much.. and I have added stress from Severus."
Liliana sighed, tired of carrying on as normal.

"Things like this are only ever going to be hard to come to terms with dear, and I'm not sure that you returning to your studies so soon is in your best interests at this present moment.." Dumbledore explained, trying to make her see sense.

"I know, Severus told me to rest. And I hate to admit it but he was right, it's just that I do not wish to face one hundred questions from my friends.. and also I need to get Severus out of my mind."

"I see, and why would you wish to do that? He cares so very much about you Liliana, if you would only give him a chance..."

Liliana's anger came to the surface quickly, her emotional dagger slashing into the headmaster swiftly. "Yes, he cares so much that he jumped into bed with some witch, if he cared for me he wouldn't do that, I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure that's how it works!"

"He did what? Oh, my dear I was unaware of Severus' behaviours. I must say I'm rather shocked... this is not my place to say but please take into consideration that he is a very troubled soul." The old man pleaded, grabbing her hand gently.

"I know, although I don't understand quite how troubled he is because he constantly blocks me out. I know he's a good man, and that he's had a difficult time growing up, that's why I cannot bring myself to loathe him, but i just can't get the image of him... and her..." Liliana sobbed.

"Do not cry dear, I understand completely. Let's just concentrate on your parents for now.
We need to sit down and discuss everything, but I feel as though it's only right for your parents to be involved. So I have sent word to them, inviting them here tomorrow." Dumbledore explained, rubbing the girls back as she cried.

She didn't reply but nodded in understanding, wiping the tears from her eyes and taking a deep breathe.

〰〰〰〰〰

"Severus will you ever learn! You have a girl that adores you and yet again you push her away! is it true that you bedded some wench?" Dumbledore hissed as he visited Snape that evening. Never had the potion master seen such anger in his oldest friend.

"To the best of my knowledge Albus, yes." Snape sighed, throwing his quill down and running his hands trough his hair.

"To the best of your knowledge? Surely you would know if you did, Dear boy! That girl is heartbroken and it wouldn't surprise me if you never owned her heart again."

"Albus, all I know is that I was intoxicated and I woke up in a strangers bed. That can only mean one thing!"

Dumbledore scowled, and threw his head back in exasperation. "Severus... Severus... when will you ever learn?"

"I know I've hurt her, and I hate myself for the hurt I've caused her. I will never forgive myself for what I've done! She is so upset with me that she doesn't even hate me! she literally has no words.. that's so much worse than a hatred filled hex." Snape mumbled, like a school boy being told off by their teacher.

"Well, if you haven't done too much damage you may be extremely lucky and she will forgive you, but for now, the best you can do is be her friend because she has just had life changing news and you're the only one of her friends who can know for now." The old man replied Cooley, his blue eyes sparkling through his half moon spectacles.

Snape knew the headmaster was right, 'time to put my heartbreak to the side, she needs me, I cannot let her down again.' He thought.

"I would walk barefoot on hot coals to make sure that she is alright, Albus. I will support her and I will protect her with my life against the dark lord if it comes to that.... I only care for her, I no longer care one bit for myself."

〰〰〰〰

Liliana sat with her friends in the Gryffindor common room, she stared at Harry tried desperately to make sense of it all.
Hermione knew she was upset about Snape and recognised that Liliana's laughs and smiles were forced.

The young witch was struggling to cope. She wanted to tell Hermione her secret, she needed someone to listen.. instead she had no choice but to spend the evening ready to burst.

It was nearly midnight, and the sound of Ron and Harry arguing over their game of chess was getting louder by the minute.

"Check mate!" Ron screeched smugly, "You were just lucky this time." Harry quipped back at him as he approached the girls.
"Lil, can I have a word with you?" Harry smiled, "yes, ok..." Liliana stammered, her stomach was in knots. Hermione grinned at them both and made herself scarce, which left Lil feeling vulnerable.

"I wanted to ask you.. and I totally understand if you say no... well...." Harry started, before pausing and laughing awkwardly. "What is it Harry?" Lil pressed, wishing to push the uncomfortable conversation along.

"Will you go out with me? on a date.."

Liliana felt as though she was going to be sick, panic took over her body and an alarm inside her told her to enter flight mode.
She ran from the common room as fast she could.

"No, no... I can't deal with this!" She cried.