Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(17) A Siren's Lament

The sight of these remarkable individuals, their remarkable stories intertwining with her own, filled her with an overwhelming sense of joy and wonder—a chapter of her life forever enriched by their presence.

In those fleeting moments, a mix of emotions coursed through Sophie—joy, calmness, and serenity, blending together like colors on an artist's palette. But then, the memories of those harrowing encounters with the snake-like boy resurfaced, like an ominous cloud overshadowing the brightness within her. She silently thanked her lucky stars that no one else could see the darkened truth behind his facade, for the humiliation she would face if his true nature were exposed was a daunting prospect.

With a heavy heart, Sophie knew she had to venture back to the chamber to make the next potion batch for Remus. However, she felt no desire to assist those arrogant troublemakers. Her mind yearned to meet the Sirius Black who wore a smile when his friends entered the room, the one whose charm and laughter were infectious, not the one entangled in the webs of his enemies, deriving pleasure from their misfortune.

Similarly, she longed to encounter the James Potter whose radiant smile embodied the grace of a majestic stag, the one who embraced life with unyielding enthusiasm and mischief, not the one who despised her to her core, wanting to consume her whole and present her on a silver platter to the Slytherins.

Deep within her heart, she wished to know the Remus Lupin who comforted students with chocolates when they felt down, the one who lent a compassionate ear to those struggling, rather than the Remus who concealed his secrets by scrutinizing his friends' actions. His enigmatic nature left her with a longing to understand the complexities of his existence.

As for Peter Pettigrew, she wished to avoid him altogether. Yet, he always lingered in the shadows, following James and Sirius with unwavering loyalty—a peculiar dynamic considering their future.

Usually, Sophie focused on the negative aspects of others, ensuring that any display of emotion other than scowls, rudeness, or internal turmoil would surprise her, bringing her joy. She considered herself a pessimist, but this approach allowed her to find happiness in unexpected places, and to treasure the moments of genuine camaraderie that occasionally emerged from the haze of her surroundings.

Korax, humming gently on Sophie's shoulder, brought her back to reality. She realized breakfast was almost over, and Severus was nowhere in sight. Her mind instantly shifted gears, shifting from her troubled thoughts to the immediate concern of locating Severus.

"He must have already gone to his spot," she thought, her voice barely a whisper, as if sharing her thoughts with the ethereal bird perched upon her. With a newfound determination, she made her way into the Great Hall, her steps echoing with purpose.

To her surprise, the Slytherins had mysteriously vanished, leaving a void at their table. Sophie quickly grabbed some breakfast for herself, barely taking the time to fill her plate, and picked up a few apples for Severus. If not for those troublesome boys she had to watch out for, she would be by his side 24/7, supporting him through his struggles and sharing his triumphs.

Korax, sensing the urgency of the situation, had now left her shoulder, freely exploring the length of the Slytherin table. He pecked at scraps left behind by others, delighting in the unexpected bounty, and even indulged in sips of pumpkin juice abandoned by a student. That's when an idea sparked in Sophie's mind, a solution to bridge the gap between her and Severus.

"Korax, come here," she beckoned, her voice infused with a touch of excitement. The raven, ever attentive, swiftly flew back to her, his feathers shimmering in the morning light. Sophie grabbed a nearby paper napkin and an owl feather that had fallen during the mail delivery. Dipping the feather into beet juice to reveal its vibrant color, she proceeded to write on the napkin, each stroke deliberate and filled with purpose. To her amusement, the feather worked perfectly for the task, gliding effortlessly across the delicate surface.