The Healer // Severus Snape Love Story

13

I descend the spiral staircase down from Albus's office. I run my fingers through my long, blond hair as I enter the corridor and head for the great hall for supper. I can't help but feel almost guilty for being who I am.. Albus is very concerned for my safety due to the recent petrifying events and all the talk of the chamber of secrets. I simply told him to not worry so much about me and focus on the students and his work. I really don't want to tell him about my dreams either but part of me wants to ask him so badly who 'Tom' is or was? Ever since that night I've been having more strange dreams. Mostly just ones of the strange boy smiling at me with the same, snake like grin. A shiver is sent down my spine just thinking about him.

Down the corridor, my eye catches a poster plastered to the wall.

Duelling Club

Starting December 18th, 8:00pm, The great hall.

Come learn how to defend yourself by the one and only Gilderoy Lockhart.

Oh Merlin, I roll my eyes at Lockhart's name. This looks to me like a disaster waiting to happen. What is Albus thinking letting that fool instruct a duelling club. I chuckle as I shake my head and move along towards the great hall. I'm actually rather curious now, to see how that will play out. Is it bad that I want to see him fail?

***

I sit in the potions classroom before the lesson, staring out the window, watching the snow fall in massive clumps onto Hogwarts. It's the beginning of December and talk of Christmas is buzzing throughout the air, amongst the students and staff. I myself am rather excited to spend my first Christmas at Hogwarts, considering this year I finally have friends to buy gifts for instead of just Albus. I glance at Severus sitting in his desk, quill scratching away at student assignments. Hmm. I wonder if I should get him something? I feel almost saddened thinking about the holidays for him. He doesn't have any family and likely spends every holiday alone in the castle. I assume he only receives a gift from Albus each year.

I lean my elbow on my desk and my chin in my hand as my attention is caught by a hand waving across the room from me. Xavier smiles and waves like a ten year old to catch my eye, as the bell rings for class to start. Jessica rushes in and sits down beside me.

"Ugh I was almost late again.." she sighs. "What's he on about?" She asks pointing to our friend across the room.

"I have no idea.." I laugh as his face lights up and he quickly begins scribbling on a piece of paper in front of him.

Severus stands and yells at the students to quiet down. He pulls the projector screen down as students groan. Notes today I suppose. He walks around after explaining the potion on the screen as students begin writing information onto their parchments. I look over to Xavier to find him looking at me with a small paper airplane in his hand. Oh god he's gonna throw it to me.

He takes aim and sends the plane flying across the potions classroom but before it reaches my desk, Severus snatches it from the air sending Xavier the stoniest, glare I have ever seen. Xavier's eyes go wide as he sinks down into his chair.

"10 points from Ravenclaw" Severus growls at him. I'm not sure Xavier even heard this though as his face remains in an expression of horror. I give him a confused glance as he brings his hands to his mouth trying to hold in what seems like laughter.

"Sorrrryy" he silently mouths across the room. Sorry? I furrow my brows in confusion as my eyes move to Severus, who sits down in his desk and unfolds the paper airplane to look at the contents.