#poc snape | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

enchantinglyjade · 8 months

Text

𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕕 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤

Chapter One

Ravenclaw!OC x Slytherin Boys

Masterlist | Next Warnings: Swearing? Note: So, a little backstory, this series is based off of my DR, but I failed to shift, so I thought I'd just turn it into a fic lol. Also, I wrote Hogwarts as if it's a highschool/university as opposed to a middle school/high school. So, 1st year is age 16, 2nd is 17, 6th is 21, etc. This combines multiple timelines and makes no sense canonically so don't fact check me 🤣

The constant rumble of the tracks shakes a train car, bouncing a young woman in her seat on a particularly cold September morning. Her head taps against the glass window, as she tries her best to ignore it and the constant chatter around her. She adjusts her bag, so her temple knocks into that instead, leaning into it with a tired grumble as she slips back into a just barely more comfortable sleep.

“How could you possibly be sleeping now? Have you not been thinking about this moment for years?”

With a groan, she leans up to face her friend, Jewel, who looks at her with a confused look. “Maybe because we’ve been up for the past 3 days talking about it.”

Celia buds in. “Let her sleep. She’ll need it.” She says with a particularly knowing giggle,

“Especially if the first person you’re introducing her to is him.” Penelope giggles as well, nudging Jewel on the arm, who guiltily smiles in return.

Jewel had told the young girl lots about her Hogwarts friends, but she had yet to meet most of them. She was introduced to Penelope and Celia only a few days back, when she first arrived in London. Jewel’s father was kind enough to let her stay at their manor for the few days leading up to their 7th year.

While the trio pester and tease each other, the girl sneaks back into her dream world, slipping as peacefully back into sleep as the train tracks will allow her to.

“We’re here, Twila! Get up!”

Damn. That was quick. She thinks to herself.

Her bag drops from being against the window to sitting in her lap as Penelope yanks her arm. Twila quickly slings the bag over her shoulder just before it’s out of her grasp as she rises out of her seat. “Penelope, hold on.” She says with a chuckle. Jewel’s long, light brown hair bounces not too far in front of them, as she leads the four of them off the car. Their suitcases are piled up on the sidewalk just outside the locomotive, steam still hissing and rolling above the train cars, filling the air with its industrial scent.

“Welcome, students. Everyone follow this way please.”

The four of them, amongst the many other students, walk through a dark, luscious green forest until they finally see ‘it’ emerge from the trees in all of its glory.

Twila stands in amazement. The school is ginormous, just how she imagined it to be. It’s already so magical and she hadn’t seen anything but the bricks that hold everything together. Ilvermorny had been big, but this is on a completely different scale. She didn’t even know how much time passed or what direction she was walking, for she was too busy admiring the view.

She watches the first years get sorted into their houses. Unfortunately, Twila had met some of her professors before the start of school and was sorted in private. However, seeing how all eyes were on the first years now as the hat speaks to them, she’s somewhat relieved for that. Afterwards, the students gather in the Great Hall to mingle after the start of term banquet, which was just as grand as the rest of the school.

“Come, Twila. I want to introduce you to someone!” Jewel says right before her shriek erupts through the room, causing a certain blond boy to turn around. “Ah! I’ve missed you, Malfoy!”

“Jewel, it’s only been– what? 3 months??”

He’s not what Twila has expected him to look like. Not in a bad way, of course, just different. Though, she supposes the only thing Jewel ever talked about was his attitude, hair, and money.

He makes sudden eye contact with her, seeing how she hovers just a few feet behind his childhood friend. “Whose that?” He says quietly, nudging Jewel for her attention.

“Oh!” She pulls away from the hug to gesture towards her. “This is Twila. She’s my best friend from Ilvermorny I told you about.”

He nods very, very slowly as he almost looks down upon the new girl. “Oh… I see.” Nonetheless, he extends his hand to hers. “Draco. Nice to meet you.”He takes a glance back at Jewel, clearing his throat before looking back at the other girl. “What do you think of Hogwarts so far?”

“It’s good… so far anyways.” Twila chuckles nervously, trying to come off as friendly, but she notices how the boy seems unimpressed and unwelcoming.

“I suppose you’ve already been sorted? I’m Slytherin, if you were wondering.” A cocky, proud smirk grows on his lips.

There’s the attitude Jewel had warned her about. “Uh, yeah. Ravenclaw.” She smiles, but it quickly drops when he begins to laugh.

“It’s been a pleasure meeting you, Twila, really, but I must be getting back.” He says, still having a chuckle in his voice as he walks back to his large group of friends.

Jewel rolls her eyes, turning back to Twila to notice her confused look. “That’s just him. You’ll get used to it." She chuckles. “Come. I’ll show you up to Ravenclaw tower– but don’t expect me to walk with you up there for the rest of the year. I can’t get caught on that side of the school. Too many stairs as well. Ugh.” Twila rolls her eyes with a smile, following beside her friend.

As they walk through the endless corridors, including up a staircase that magically disappears and reappears, they pass by an oddly empty side of the school. Everyone must still be downstairs visiting one another. Twila supposes it would be just like her to be the first student to rush back to her dorm. Then, the two hear voices echo down the hall.

“And what if I refuse? It is just like Dumbledore to throw helpless children around to whomever is willing to clean up his responsibilities.”

“Severus, please. They had all but disposed of her because they were simply too lazy to dissect this problem themselves.”

Jewel pulls Twila aside, hiding the two of them around a corner and she peeks to watch the professors argue over something. “That’s Professor Snape, Head of my house. Quite cruel at times. It’ll be in your best interest to avoid him as much as possible.”

Twila scoffs internally at this. If only she could.

They continue to listen, watching as best as they can.

“So, I suppose this is my burden now? No consultation or anything? Just leave the child at my doorstep?” Snape exclaims in annoyance.

Ms. McGonagall, who Twila had written to many times over the summer, softly drops her arms in frustration. “Please, just have a moment with her. And if you still wish to refuse, then Dumbledore has promised to remove her from your hands.”

He sighs, crossing his arms as he puts up a cold front. “Alright. You have me. For now.” He states sternly. “But be sure to set your expectations low. I can only imagine this child will get on my last nerve and quickly.”

Ms. McGonagall chuckles. “I trust she will be safe in your hands, Severus. I’m sure it will mean everything to her. Thank you again for helping.” She turns to walk away, before remembering something. “Oh, and be sure to give her this in class tomorrow.” She reaches into her green cloak pocket, pulling out an almond colored envelope before slipping it to him.

Twila eyes the envelope as Snape does the same. She wonders what it says, though she knows she’ll be finding out soon enough.

Jewel lets out a thoughtful hum, not focusing on their words as much as she’s concerned whether they’re leaving yet or not. Once out of sight, she walks out from their ‘hiding spot’ and they continue down the next stairwell. “Whatever that was about.” She scoffs. “Anyways, here’s your common room, the riddle’s for you and your brainy selves to figure out.” Twila smiles, glancing at the bird on the door, its bronze wings shielding its body. “Alright, well, best get settled in then. Class begins bright and early tomorrow. Oh, and don’t roam too far around the castle alone, never know who you’ll run into.” She flashes Twila a smile before heading back down the stairs.

With a sigh, Twila enters her common room, making her way towards her dorm. The riddle wasn’t too difficult for her to figure out. Her room is small, but cozy with lots of antique woods, rusty coppers, and wonder filled blues. Not to mention, the view the tower held over the rest of the castle. It’s beautiful. She couldn’t wait to start making it hers.

She eyes her luggage that magically made its way to her room while she was busy eating earlier. She lazily plops onto her bed with a huff. She had a long day already and suspected an even longer one tomorrow. She should get some rest, unpacking can wait for another day.

She lays her head on the nicely fluffed pillow, tracing the golden astrological symbols etched into the ceiling. I’m a long way from home. She thinks to herself. But she is here for a purpose.

༺ ☆ ༻

The next day, Twila wakes up with a light heart, an airy feeling in her chest that flutters both in excitement and fear as she lays in her bed, unaware of the busy day before her.

She removes the covers from her body and walks to her still unpacked suitcase, hoping to pull out two matching items. She chuckles to herself at some of the things she finds. She had quite a reputation for herself at Ilvermorny for being the weird girl and her clothes did not help with this stereotype. She told herself that she’d start fresh here and be her most unapologetically authentic self. That she wouldn’t cower away just because she was different. After all, she had crafted many of these items herself and she worked too hard to be so ashamed of what her mind craved to bring to life.

But it seems it was an easier plan to agree to when she was still in the comfort of her home. Now, having traveled across the ocean, she’s beginning to have second thoughts. Maybe I should have brought something to blend in with for the first day, just to help me feel comfortable while I adjust. But it’s too late now. Go big or go home. She thinks.

Ugh, I should really mind American slang while I’m here.

She throws on her most normal set of clothes, all of which she had specially made to match the Ravenclaw’s aesthetic, then heads out into the main common room area.

The room is more lively than she had imagined it being, considering the house’s stereotypes Jewel had told her about, though she thinks it could just be first day jitters.

She awkwardly smiles as she passes students by, some taller, some shorter, and many younger than her. She squeezes by bodies of people, her book bag beginning to slip off her shoulder, causing her robes to follow suit. She huffs, adjusting it back into place as she finally reaches the door. She nervously follows the rest of the students through the castle, assuming they’d bring her to where she needs to go, and luckily they do. Once in the cafeteria, her anxiety only peaks. She had nearly forgotten her least favorite part about school.

Voices and laughter bounce off the castle walls. The students she followed to the Great Hall now scatter in different directions, some sitting down, some chatting with friends, and some speaking with the professors. She stands in the center of the doorway as students from each of the houses surround her, taking up the giant room. She can feel nervousness seeping into her at the sight. What if everyone's eyes suddenly land on her, the whole school laughing at her while she stands like an idiot in the center of the room? She’d need to figure herself out quickly before others take notice.

Okay. Yellow table, that’s for Hufflepuff. Or is it Gryffindor…? Doesn’t Gryffindor have yellow in it? But then which one is-

“Merlin, Twila. Come on.” Jewel suddenly pops into view, chuckling at Twila as she guides her down the center of the room. Twila follows behind, her brain just barely catching up to her friend with all the commotion around them.

“Gryffindor.” She points, continuing to strut past students. “Hufflepuff. Slytherin, the most amazing people you’ll ever meet. And you… are here!” She spins around, hands on her hips, as she proudly presents Twila a spot at the blue table. “I’ll see you in the Library later, alright?” She winks, quickly turning to walk back to her own table.

Right. “Where is that?”

Jewel smiles. “Trust me. It will find you.” She calls over her shoulder before finding her way back to the green table, sitting herself next to a familiar blond boy. Jewel gives Twila a thumbs up, which Draco sees and follows his friends gaze to glance at the new girl as well.

The second Twila sees him look over, she immediately looks elsewhere, not wanting to deal with him again, at least not so early in the morning.

The rest of the blue cladded students pile around her, talking amongst themselves. Twila listens in on their conversations, trying to get a grasp on the things they talk about, how they speak, things that happen around the school, anything to ground herself with, but she resorts to slowly picking at the food in front of her, which even that is so different from what she is used to. Her current state doesn’t help with her insecure feelings either, but hopefully Ms. McGonagall is right and everything will finally get resolved. Though Twila has her doubts. Many, painful doubts.

Breakfast ends after many long minutes and the students mumble and grumble their way out the door and to their first classes of the school year.

Twila takes a deep breath. Just two more meals to get through and I’ll be back in my dorm. Alright, Herbology. And what does Jewel mean the Library will find me? You know, this whole magic thing is starting to get on my nerves. Constant nonsense. But, I guess that is the point…

With a frustrated groan, Twila opens her bag and pulls out the map McGonagall had given her. She really doesn’t want to have to use it since it seems to scream ‘new kid’, but she has no choice. She panics as more and more students leave the Great Hall, as she desperately searches the large map for one single, simple word. Class would be starting soon and who knows how many miles she’d have to cross to find where she’s required to be. Unfortunately, the map does nothing to help. In fact, it only makes her that much more confused.

“You won’t be needing that.”

And just like that, the map is yanked up and out of her hands. She holds herself back from rolling her eyes in annoyance and turns to face her first bully– or– bullies, both of them, identical to each other.

They smile widely, ginger hair framing their faces, which were oddly kind looking for bullies. The one rolls the paper map into a scroll, handing it back to her. “New girl.” He states.

“American, I’ve heard?” The other one chips in with a wide grin. Twila looks between the two of them, not fully grasping their intentions just yet, but finding herself somewhat amused by them. They chuckle. “Where are you heading?”

She scratches the back of her neck. “Um… Herbology?”

They nod, making the same exact head movement and sound.

“Right, you’ll want to head that way. You’ll know you’re there when you see the, you know… plants.” They chuckle together.

“See you around, America.”

And like that, they’re gone, lost in the sea of students.

Putting the map back in her bag, Twila does as they say until she finds the, you know, plants. As she enters the classroom, she sees that everyone is already settled in the stools. She tries to sneak by everyone to the nearest open spot, but her appearance is clear to everyone, eyes following her as she walks deeper into the classroom. She places her bag down onto the floor beside her, silently looking around the classroom as the professor begins instructing.

“I wouldn’t make a habit out of arriving late to class. It makes a poor first impression.” A voice calls lazily from behind her.

She spins in her chair with a taken aback look, coming face to face with a boy who has dirty blond hair and cloudy blue eyes. “There’s been an awful lot of talk about you.” He continues, staring off into the distance with his face resting against his palm. Damn. It’s only the first day and there’s already talk about me? “Don’t worry, mostly positive.” He says, almost as if he had read her mind.

“Mostly?” She asks with sudden questioning interest in the boy.

He chuckles light, going silent as the professor glances their way for a moment, before continuing. “So, what is your name?” The boy asks quietly as the professor faces away from the two of them.

“Twila. DeLuna.”

He smiles just slightly, reaching his hand out in her general direction to shake hers. “Ominis. Blind.”

Her eyes widen at this bluntly stated information, her hand loosening in his grip. “Oh…”

He chuckles, pulling his hand away to rest back against the desk. “It helps to put it out there right away. So, how are you liking Hogwarts?”

The two continue to chat throughout class, which goes by surprisingly quickly for Twila despite it being a rather uneventful class.

“You’ll get used to the routines eventually, and trust me, there are many routines. Good luck out there, Twila. And don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it. I know a few secrets myself if you’re ever interested.” Ominis gives her a friendly smile just before he exits into the hallway as class is dismissed.

Her next class, however, does not grant her the speed she would have liked.

She follows the rest of the students out, standing in the leafy Herbology hall as she digs for her schedule. Defense Against the Dark Arts with Professor Snape. She gulps at the name, remembering all that her and Ms. McGonagall had discussed. Another bit of unfortunate news for her is that the class is on the opposite side of the school.

She continues onward, walking the corridors until she walks through a door that leads her to an open bridge. The warm sun shines down on her face when suddenly three students fly just above her head on their brooms, the wind swishing past causing her robes to levitate. The other students seem unphased by this, but she can’t help but admire the Scottish Highlands as she walks forward until the next building consumes her view.

She finally enters the dark tower and she’s shocked when she is overcome by its gentle and classical aesthetic. Not what she had expected from a Dark Arts building.

She stands to the side, looking at her map once more, when suddenly she feels some type of fluff brush against her leg. She looks down to see a small creature looking up at her. Cats. They have cats in the school.

After going up and down the stairs, and then back up and back down, she finally finds the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. She scurries to the nearest open seat as Professor Snape stares her down from his desk. He must recognize her already. She adjusts herself awkwardly under his intense gaze, until he goes back to his work, waiting for class to begin.

Shortly after, a group of laughter enters through the door and Twila sees a familiar blond approach her section. His group makes their way to some of the open seats surrounding, while their leader struts to one right next to her. It’s not until he’s nearly sitting in his chair that he seems to notice her. He furrows his brows as he seats himself fully, a smirk rising to his face as he looks at her. “What are you doing here in this class? It's much too advanced for the likes of you, you must have been given the wrong schedule. Class for the regulars is after lunch, not before” Draco says in a rude and condescending way.

"I do have the ability to study, mind you." She responds dryly.

He rolls his eyes. “Oh, I'm sure you do, Ravenclaw.” He chuckles. “But a N.E.W.T. level class? Do you even know what that means?” He asks with a smug smile, speaking to her as if she were a small child.

"I'll know what it means when I pass mine and you don't." A small smirk pulls on her lips.

He scoffs, turning to sit forward in his seat. “Good luck with that. Only the best witches and wizards succeed in that, and well… look at you.”

She smiles ever so slightly. “We’ll see.”

He looks at her with a smirk. “Are you challenging me?” He says with another condescending laugh, feeling almost amused by her behavior.

Twila lets out a small scoff, playing with a pencil on her desk. “I’m shocked you even remembered me.”

“Hardly. It’s difficult remembering someone as forgettable as you. A Ravenclaw in a N.E.W.T. class, you might as well be invisible.” He finishes with a smirk, laughing to himself as some of his friends nearby join along.

She rolls her eyes, turning back towards her desk. She didn’t have time for this, especially not in front of Snape.

However, Draco doesn’t seem to mind the professor, continuing with a chuckle, leaning into the desk nonchalantly. “Come on. You’re the American girl, right? Jewel’s newest addition to her crew of servants.” He rolls his eyes at the infamous group of friends, now recruiting their fourth member. He then faces the front of the classroom, dismissing her.

She had nearly forgotten all the things Jewel had warned her about Draco. She couldn’t be caught with her guard down around him, or any Slytherin for that matter. “I believe she introduced me as ‘best friend’.” She states, which immediately gets his attention back.

He scoffs, shaking his head. “You must be deaf. She said ‘best friend from America’ and last I recall, you’re her only friend from that forsaken country. Naturally that’d put you in first place. So, congratulations. But here– well, I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before you’re forgotten amongst the rest.” A sly smirk forms on his face.

I can’t believe this is the close friend Jewel told me about for all these years. “You seem oddly competitive to be her number one.” Twila says with a smirk.

His face twists into a grimace. “You can have her all you want. But trust me, from her standpoint, there is no competition between you and I.” He says more like a warning.

And perhaps he may be right about that, however, “Her and I are closer than you think.”

He raises a dubious eyebrow at her. “Really? And how long have you two even known each other?”

“Ten years.” She states proudly. “She’s told me a lot about you.”

He’s caught off guard by this at first, squinting his eyes at her in curiosity, but soon he scoffs. “Ten years.” He repeats. “Funny. She hardly mentions you at all, for having such a ‘close friendship’.” And with that, he faces away.

Damn. This would be harder than I thought.

Class continues as Twila expected, long and boring. The subject wasn’t exactly a new one for her, so fortunately she wasn’t completely clueless. However, she notices Professor Snape glance at her every now and again, and she knows exactly why. He is studying her. Trying to learn her situation from afar. Honestly, she was guilty for doing the same. She would be working closely with him in these coming months, after all. It would be wise to learn what makes him tick.

Eventually, class is dismissed and students once again pour out the door.

Draco talks with his friends, ignoring Twila like he did the whole remainder of the class, this is until Professor Snape trudges their way.

His hand emerges from his dark cloak and in it resides a letter. The letter. “Twila.” He states.

She looks up, eyes wide. “Y–, uh, Yes, Professor?”

He hands her the letter in silence before resigning back to his desk.

She stares at the familiar envelope in her hands with a quiet, but dreadful sigh, grazing her thumb over its red wax seal.

Draco eyes her closely as she stands up, completely abandoning his friends to follow her out the door. “And what is that exactly?” He asks from behind her, attempting to peer over her shoulder.

She spins around to face him, quickly hiding the note in her bag. “Oh, suddenly you’re interested in my existence?” She smirks.

He rolls his eyes.”Curious as to what the hell makes you special.” He forces a grimace onto his face. However, the fact that he is still interested in her letter, despite displaying a strong dislike for her, tells Twila more.

She scoffs, beginning to walk away again. “Nothing you need to be concerned with.” She says, choosing to ignore any other rude comments he has to say to her. As he stands silent, she can only sigh before taking her map out again.

He groans when he sees the paper, immediately trying to shield it away. “Please. Put that thing away before someone sees you. I can’t believe a well respected Slytherin like Jewel would pick up someone like you.” He mutters the last part under his breath. “Where are you trying to go?” He asks irritatedly, checking the halls for observers.

“Potions.” Twila answers, equally as annoyed now, stuffing her map away.

“Just follow me, I have potions next as well. Lucky me, I get to have you in my presence for another hour.” He grumbles as he leads her forward down the cobbled hallway.

“Trust me, the honor’s all mine.” She states sarcastically, following him at a slight distance with her arms crossed.

As the two walk, Draco continuously glances over his shoulder at Twila, a hint of amusement in his eyes and a smug smirk on his face. “Don’t get so huffy, Twila.” He chuckles. “It’s probably the only emotion you’re capable of.” He mutters under his breath.

She holds back an eye roll. “I’ve been told I’m not the only one.” She says quietly to herself.

Draco stops in his tracks when he hears this. “What was that?” He says, facing towards her.

“You heard me.” She says, strolling past him with a smirk.

He glares at her back, but an oh so small smirk plays at the corner of his lips. “You know, maybe it’s the American in you, but most people don’t dare speak to me that way.”

Draco is good at acting intimidating, she’ll give him that, but it’s clear to her that it’s just a front. She faces him again. “What way?” She says with a daring smile.

He scoffs and smiles, walking closer to her. “It’s rather bold of you to be speaking to me in that tone. Most people have learned the hard way not to disrespect a Malfoy.”

She scoffs back. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m from America. Malfoy doesn’t mean a thing to me.” She smirks.

“Do you not understand? Surely Jewel would have told you just who I am, who my father is.” He says, leaning closer to her. “My family has a lot of influence here. I’m someone you’ll want to respect.” He smirks.

“Clearly not enough to be known overseas. And we’ll see about that.” She teases again. She knows she’s getting herself into dangerous territory, but she just couldn’t stop herself. It’s as if her wit has a mind of its own.

He takes a step closer, now invading her personal space. “You’d do best to watch your tongue, Twila. You might find your stay at Hogwarts very uncomfortable. No one likes a big mouth.”

Her smirk grows even further, as he seemed to just keep setting himself up for her next comments. “Then why do you keep talking?”

Draco’s eyes flutter in confusion as he’s taken aback by her response. He had always been used to people doing as he says, but she doesn’t back away from his intimidation and he finds it annoying that he doesn’t have the same influence as usual. “Well–” He starts, stammering over his words as he tries to narrow his eyes in forced irritation. “It’s because I want to. That doesn’t change the fact that you shouldn’t.” He continues to stare at her.

Twila giggles at his lame comeback and continues walking again.

He sighs from behind her, more annoyed than ever, but he quickly catches up to her and grabs her shoulders and forces her to face him once more. “Look at me, Ravenclaw.” He says in a stern voice, forcing authority into his tone. He wasn’t used to people ignoring his orders.

She raises an eyebrow at him, clearly not impressed by this tough act he’s putting on and equally as annoyed.

This was the first time Draco has met a Ravenclaw with this much attitude. At this point, he just gives up, looking down at her in pure confusion as he drops his arms back down to his sides. “You really are a weird Ravenclaw, aren’t you?” He says with his infamous grimace.

She scoffs. “I thought I was so forgettable?”

He rolls his eyes. “You’re still rather unimportant to me.” He says now with a smirk. “What did Snape give you?” He asks once again.

She rolls her eyes with a groan, entering the potions classroom as she ignores his question.

He follows closely behind, smirking and waiting for her to speak. “What’s so important that you won’t tell me?” He follows her to her seat.

She covers her face, groaning into her hands as he asks again. He smirks, enjoying the reactions he’s getting out of her. “It must be something bad, right? What is it?” He asks again.

“Yes, I’m getting expelled on my first day.” Twila says sarcastically.

He raises a brow at her sarcasm. “So, you’re not in trouble? Why do you act like you’re hiding something then?”

“Because it’s none of your business.” She states simply.

He can’t help but smile at her boldness. “Well, I hope you’re aware I’m not going to stop asking until you tell me.”

She sighs, pulling out her potions book as class begins. She can’t understand why he cares so much. Maybe Jewel told him that he has to be friends with me or something.

Professor Slughorn dismisses the class to their own groups to make a potion. Twila looks at Draco in the corner of her eye as he continuously stares at her throughout class. She notices his attempt to hover around her and annoy the information out of her. Is this what he does for fun? She thinks. “You don’t have many friends, do you?” She asks.

He tries to conceal his defensive feelings towards her question by making himself sound calm and unbothered. “Well, seeing as there’s no one important in this class, I have no choice but to entertain myself with something.” He says dismissively.

She smiles, glancing at him for a second, before turning back to the small introductory potion in front of her, “There’s nothing wrong with making a new friend, you know.” She smirks, knowing he’d be all but offended just by the suggestion.

He rolls his eyes a bit with a chuckle. “I’m not sure I’d call you a friend just yet, but keep up with the attitude.”

Twila hums, adding horklump juice into the pot and stirring the mixture with a large wooden spoon. “Well, you should know, I don’t usually tell non-friends about my private letters.”

He chuckles. “I’m not even sure why you’re hiding it, to be honest. It’s a school letter, what could be so important about it?” He watches as the potion’s bubbles settle and dissolve into a different color completely.

“I suppose you’ll never know, will you?” She smirks, tapping the spoon against the side of the bowl to get the few last drips of potion off the wooden utensil before resting it on the table.

He shakes his head, smirking back. “Is that a challenge to find out?”

“Isn’t everything a challenge with you?” She asks exhaustedly.

He only grins at this, narrowing his eyes down at her. “I think you might’ve just made a very dangerous enemy, Ravenclaw.” He chuckles. He’s curious how she’ll react to his teasing, but she just sighs and continues on with class. Draco can’t help but laugh at the way she rolls her eyes so casually when he tries to be intimidating. He’s never had a reaction like this before.

Soon enough, class ends and Draco had stopped asking her about the letter. For now. Twila’s next class is Divination, which she has been looking forward to all summer. She suspects she’ll do well in the class, considering that she’s already quite knowledgeable in the subject.

Before she knows it, dinner time arrives.

If she thought breakfast was hectic, nothing prepared her for this. Students are even louder, and even more riled up than the first two meals combined. She finds her seat at Ravenclaw table, after dodging a few flying papers and flutters of magic she truly did not want to ask about.

She reaches for a chicken leg, when suddenly the bench jumps with weight. She looks up to find herself surrounded by familiar faces. “Hey! What are you guys doing here?” She asks in confusion.

“It’s dinner, we can sit anywhere.” Jewel says, reaching for a nearby plate.

“And on the weekends, since there’s no class.” Penelope bites into a small cut corn cob, some of her bright orange strands sticking to her face from the juice residue left behind from her meal. “And please, lose the uniform. It’s only required for class.” She says, the vegetable barely staying behind the confines of her teeth while she speaks.

Twila glances over at Penelope, seeing how she had already managed to ditch her red robes for her normal attire. “Oh…” She says, quickly pulling her arms from her heavy robe sleeves, causing her friends to chuckle.

“So, have you made any friends yet, Twila?” Celia speaks up softly, her usual friendly smile on her face.

Twila nods excitedly. “Yes– well– I think anyway… There’s this boy in my Herbology class. Ominis?”

She watches as Celia’s eyes widen and awkwardly glance around the table. Penelope immediately shakes her head at Twila with warning, as her eyes gesture behind her to Jewel.

“Gaunt?” Jewel sternly questions, nearly spitting out her food. “No. Twila, we talked about this.” She sets down her half eaten bread to face Twila fully with a worried look.

Twila’s brows contort in confusion. “Barely, and I didn’t know he’s a Gaunt. Besides, he seems really nice.” She tries to defend him.

“I was hesitant to even introduce you to Malfoy and he’s my best friend.” Jewel sighs, looking at the table for a moment before turning towards her once more. “Look, there are many powerful, dark, pureblood families in this school. Families that are best to avoid at all possible costs, especially the Gaunt’s and the Riddle’s. Someone as vulnerable as you needs to stay away.” She warns.

However, Twila takes minor offense to her words. “As vulnerable as me?” Celia and Penelope stay quiet.

Jewel sighs, dropping her shoulders. “Twila. You’re a new student, far from home, you have no family here, not to mention your… status– Not that that’s a problem with me, it’s just– They’re cruel people and they’ll use anything they can to diminish you to nothing. Don’t let yourself be their next victim. Please, promise me you won’t talk to them.” She all but begs.

Twila slumps over, disappointed yet understanding of what Jewel has just said. She considers her words, trying to not let the truth of them bring her down. “So, why do you get to speak with them?” She asks.

“I hardly do, and as far as they’re concerned, my family is equated in status. I practically grew up with all of them.” She lets out a short breath. “I just want to protect you. I’ve seen what they are capable of and–” She stops with a sad look, letting Twila’s imagination fill in the rest.

Twila fiddles with her spoon, letting her eyes drop from Jewels. How could someone like Ominis be so bad? Draco seems worse than him and yet Jewel speaks of Ominis as if he’s evil incarnate.

“Anyways, shall we go to the library when we’re finished here? I still wanted to show you that collection I thought you might enjoy?” Jewel asks, almost as if their previous topic never existed.

Twila stammers over her words. “I– I’m actually pretty tired after today. I think I’ll just head back up to my dorm to sleep.” It was only half a lie, though for the most part, she just needed some time alone after all of today’s events.

“Oh.” Jewel says, puckering her lips in disappointment. “Do you remember your way?”

Twila nods, before standing up and bidding them goodbye.

“See you in charms tomorrow!” Celia waves.

Twila is, once again, first to retire to her room, unless the few students already studying on the common room couches counted. She sits at the edge of her bed, tossing her robes to the side of her. She reaches into her bag, feeling for a certain envelope, and takes it out, admiring the Hogwarts stamped seal. With a deep breath, she peels open the envelope, pulling out the handwritten parchment inside.

'Miss DeLuna,

We are very excited to have you as a new student here at Hogwarts and we are here to make your stay as enjoyable and comfortable as possible. I hope that you are settling into your classes nicely.

Tuesday morning, just before the light touches the sky, your presence is required in the old detention room for your first evaluation with Professor Snape. Just follow the sleeping dragon and the hissing whispers of the Slytherin Common Room and you will find it. Be sure to not sleep in. Professor Snape can be a tough one to impress at times, it’s best to stay on his good side.

Once again, please be as discreet as possible, for this is sensitive information for other students to be involved with.

Best wishes, Twila

Ms. McGonagall'

‘Before the light touches the sky.’ Perhaps it’s a good thing Twila came up to her room early; She’d be having another long day ahead of her tomorrow.

She folds the letter back up, but as she reaches to place it on her nightstand, the parchment shrivels up, shredding itself mid-air and dancing to the floor before disappearing entirely.

She lays her head back on her pillow, staring at the floorboard where the letter once was. She’s to officially meet Snape tomorrow. She’s almost overwhelmed at the speed at which this is all happening. It seems so soon, but she’s here for a reason and she can only hope that it will work.

#harry potter #hp #draco malfoy #black fanfiction #slytherin #ravenclaw #wizarding world #ilvermorny #severus snape #hufflepuff #gryffindor #hogwarts #ominis gaunt #oc #poc #oc fanfiction #black reader #black writers #shadowed fates

38 notes · View notes

desiprongsieee · 1 year

Text

2023 book #1: The Heir to the House of Prince by elph13 and A_LoveUnlaced (ao3)

Theo/Harry

87 chapters, 648,523 words

I found this fic through tiktok and it’s honestly one of the best ones I’ve ever read. It’s filled with darkness, angst, and trauma and I’ve been brought to tears so many times while reading it. 10/10 recommend.

Summary: The fic starts during the summer after 4th year and Harry's all alone, dealing with his grief and the sudden revelation that James Potter is not his father. Support comes in a strange form. The form of Theo Nott, son of a death Eater. A strange friend who says he'll help him find his true father, whoever this Lord Prince might be.

Quote: ‘He is the head of Slytherin. He sees more abuse cases than any other member of staff and he missed it. He missed Lily’s son.

I could not have known, Severus thinks, but then he catches sight of Granger’s face. She is staring at him fiercely and he feels a tremor of guilt.

“You all knew,” Granger snaps, her voice suddenly harsh. The younger Weasleys nod sagely. “You just didn’t see him. You never see him.”

#harry potter #severus snape #theo x harry #snape #slytherin #remus x severus #fuck dumbledore #poc harry potter #hermione granger #pro snape #heir to the house of prince #diverse harry potter #goodreads #booklr #book challenge #reading challenge

49 notes · View notes

nehpihcs · 1 year

Text

Young Lily and Severus

17 notes · View notes

snapesunshine · 2 years

Text

they... look so lovely

#snarry #snape #severus snape #severus x harry #harry potter #hp #poc harry potter #hc harry potter #professor snape

25 notes · View notes

dramioneasks · 7 months

Text

A Distant Memory - blubbering_blobfishes - T, WIP - It’s hard to stay alive. It’s hard to say the right thing. But what’s harder, is doing the right thing. Draco’s everyday life has changed drastically after Voldemort’s return. Chosen to become a Death Eater and have his father’s approval sounded appealing at first, but now he’s questioning his ideals. Hermione always knew that people weren’t simple. But the world is filled with people. It turns out that living is not as easy as books make it seem.

5 notes · View notes

imtryingtochangesblog · 3 months

Text

pep no step?

Belle looked awkwardly beneath her hands as she looked at the figure that was her sleeping father. Or. Someone she’d call her father. She had understood little to nothing after she had awoken from the slumber she unknowingly was in for 8 years 11 years old and unaware of anything. She struggled to focus her eyes on her surroundings as everything felt new to her but she felt weird in general and unaware about who she was. This place.. Spinners End wasn’t what she felt like home was.. Snape or Dad was a scornful man in her defense and Dumbledore situating her with him felt impractical. She continued watching him as she stepped back softly and closed his door softly. Making her way softly to the bathroom as she turned the lights on and faced the mirror awkwardly.. her lightskin and freckles felt like they didn't belong to her as she touched her face slowly. She wasn’t a normal child. She knew this everyone seemed to notice.. her eyes.. swirls instead of pupils that wasn’t normal was it.. how would she know she barley saw other children since her slumber. She sighed slowly before she examined the bathroom and soon became aware what she was in.. a slightly cracked mirror, a clean interior and odd looking artwork in retrospect she didn't feel need to describe at all. Tiredlessly walking about this place wasn’t doing her justice as she wasn't tired.. she felt relaxed as if sleep wasn’t necessary. She quickly turned off the light and exited the Bathroom leaving the door slightly cracked open behind. Sitting on her bedrooms floor Belle looked around slowly and played with her hands bit by bit… Maybe this was Snape’s room as a kid? It felt like it as the way it was painted and decorated was as if someone of youth lived here once. It wasn’t her style if she had any it wasn’t this nor would it ever be this. She blinked bit by bit and for this stellar moment she had tears in her eyes but unlike anything else she has seen and done before.. she didn't have any reason to criticize or judge it or judge what made her this way. She held memories of the past what was she? Who was she? Weren't question she was asking it was. Why? Why did she wake up and by sheer luck be founded and have her life set up so quickly? She was a child was she not didn’t she deserve some small explanation some small semblance of normalcy.. Why was everyone giving her this sense of normalcy as if this was okay.. was she okay? Was professor Mcgonagall right? Was she okay and just overreacting or did Abeforth give her a reason to ponder everything..

What happened to here?

#harry potter oc #severus snape #harry potter #professor mcgonagall #dumbledore #poc oc #Belle Seaborne #I dunno #its a small project im working on go something massive i just hope i get momentum to get there.#wooooo

0 notes

doberbutts · 2 years

Text

Back before Rowling outed herself as a great big TERF and HP became a taboo subject I literally had a [former] friend berate me for several days and then deliberately pick fights about it weeks and months later because I'd let slip that my favorite HP character was Snape. Not because I thought he was innocent or because I wouldn't acknowledge the bad things he's done, but because I like tortured souls and morally gray characters and bad victims and angsty sad boys with tragic pasts. And also Alan Rickman's a snack.

At some point they told me that they just couldn't see themselves being friends with someone who saw any value in the character whatsoever, and I probably should have known our friendship would take the wild downward spiral it did in the years following.

This repeated itself several times with various other media we had in common. Tony Stark. Joker. Every chance they got, they would demand I justify why I favored those characters and not the ones they preferred. Even when we agreed on characters from a specific series, they'd still pick a fight if I said literally anything remotely positive about a different character. Saying I understood where Anders was coming from, even though my choice like theirs was Fenris and I disagreed overall with Anders' methods and extreme behavior, resulted in them not speaking to me for several days and then picking fights every time I turned on my console to play.

Even mentioning my love for Tolkien turned into a fight because they felt the books were unsaveable and unsalvageable because of their lack of POC and LGBT characters (which is a critique I AGREE with) and became a "read better books" discussion.

At some point I had to be like "hey it actually kinda sucks to try to talk to you about anything I like because you're constantly negging on it, can you stop?" and even that turned into an argument because the takeaway was that I was supposed to change the things I like to be morally in line with *their values* rather than be annoyed that they were constantly needling me about how the things I enjoy make me somehow a bad person.

And that I think is why I am entirely done with this stupid fandom bullshit of people trying to assign moral value and purity politics to people enjoying characters or various pieces of media. I know the phrase "let people enjoy things" has been poisoned but also, fucking seriously, let people have their favorites without being forced to justify at every turn why they like something.

4K notes · View notes

bibbityboppitybillyharvgrove · 7 months

Text

Always There - Chapter One: S.Snape

Summary: Y/N Potter was left with a baby to care for after her brother and sister-in-law were murdered by Voldemort. One person was there for her, a person she didn’t expect but soon became her comfort person, Severus Snape. During Harry’s third year at Hogwarts and her third year as Herbology professor, a few old friends come around again. Y/N has to handle the feelings of these old friends being around again as well as handle her feelings for a certain potions master all while she tries to hide these things from her godson.

Series Masterlist

My full Masterlist

Pairings: Severus Snape x Female Professor Reader, Potter!Reader x friend!Remus

Chapter Warnings: Female Reader, Potter Reader(No physical description of reader) probably shitty writing, Harry growing up in a loving home, mentions of death and murder, mentions of Azkaban, shittyly written angst,

Series Warnings: Female Reader, Potter Reader (No physical description of reader) probably shitty writing, OOC Snape, Harry grows up in a loving environment, mentions of death and murder, poorly written angst, Remus is a shitty friend, poorly written pining,

Please let me know how I can improve my writing and being more inclusive to POC as I am whiter than white. Please also let me know if I have to add more to the warnings! My messages are open as well as my asks!

Author's Note: It's been a long ass time my friends, but I'm trying to make a come back here. I was a bit out of my comfort zone with this one so I hope you enjoy it. Please let me know how I can improve or if you find any errors! Correct me, don't be afraid to! I want to improve my writing and become a better writer so any feedback or advise is welcomed!

Word Count: 1146

My asks are open for questions, suggestions and feedback!

Feedback is welcomed and encouraged!

Enjoy!

not my gif

GIF by red-artemis-jane

not my gif

The year Harry turned 11 was the year professor Sprout retired, in turn, Y/N got the position as herbology professor. She enjoyed teaching her nephew and loved being back at Hogwarts no matter how much it pained her to be there without her brother and his best friends. The first two years went by without much issue, however, in Harry’s third year, Y/N heard whispers of a new professor starting at Hogwarts, an old student from her time there. And she had also heard about the escape of Sirius Black, her brother’s best friend who had supposedly ratted the couple out to the dark lord and got them killed. It was a lot of emotions for her to deal with at once.

She was already at Hogwarts when she got word that Harry was attacked by a dementor on the train ride there. She rushed to the main hall and found her nephew rather quickly. “Merlin Harry, are you okay? Did you get hurt? How did this happen?” She bombarded her nephew with questions before engulfing him in a tight hug.

“I’m okay, Aunt Y/N. I didn’t get hurt, I don’t know what would’ve happened if professor Lupin wasn’t there,” Harry reassured his aunt.

“Lupin?”

“Professor Potter, we are waiting for you at the table, you may catch up with your nephew after the feast,” Dumbledore’s voice interrupted. She planted a kiss on her nephew’s forehead before following the headmaster to the table. She took her usual spot beside Severus, not even noticing the new but familiar face on the other side of the man. Dumbledore began his usual beginning of the year speech, this time including that due to the escape of Sirius Black, dementors would be gracing Hogwarts with their presence. “I would also like to welcome our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor R.J Lupin.” Y/N choked on her tea at the name, Severus patting her back gently as he suppressed a chuckle.

“Don’t laugh at me you git,” She said harshly.

“I wasn’t laughing,” Severus replied monotonously.

“Sure you weren’t.” Once the food was put out and she had filled her plate, she took her plate to the greenhouse to get herself ready for another year. She also just needed a minute alone, away from everyone, so she could try and process everything that was going on. As she sat at her desk to begin processing, the greenhouse doors opened. “I really don’t want to talk right now Sev,” She said without looking up.

“Good thing I’m not Severus,” A familiar voice spoke, “It’s been a long time.” She looked up to see Remus standing a few feet away from her. Her mood soured just a bit more at the sight of him.

“And who’s fault is that?” She snapped at him.

“I deserve that,” He sighed.

“Why are you here Remus? Shouldn’t you be at the feast?”

“Shouldn’t you?” Remus retorted, “I wanted to talk to you without your guard dog with you.”

“Then talk. And he isn’t my guard dog, he was there for me when I had nobody.”

“I also deserved that. Look, I just want to apologize for leaving without a word or even a letter. I thought it would be safer for you and Harry if I left, especially with my condition. It was too dangerous for me to be around you two. You didn’t deserve that.”

“If that’s all you have to say, then good night.”

“Talk to me Y/N! Yell at me, throw things, do something!” Remus shouted at her. She shot out of her chair, rushed around her desk and got in his face. Her heart raced with anger, her head spinning as tears sprung in her eyes.

“You want me to talk, fine, I’ll talk. You left me when I had nobody! My brother just died and you up and left! And then Peter died and Sirius got thrown in Azkaban and I got a baby practically thrown at me and you left me! The only person that was there for me, that got me out of bed, that got me to eat and took care of me, when I couldn’t do it myself, was Severus! He helped me and you were nowhere to be found! So fuck you Lupin, get out of my greenhouse!” She yelled at him, tears flowing down her cheek, chin trembling as she held back sobs.

“Y/N ple-”

“Get out! Get out of here before I do something I regret!” With that, Remus walked out of the greenhouse, leaving a sobbing Y/N alone, once again. That was the way Severus found her about 20 minutes later and, once again, he was left to pick up the pieces Remus had left behind.

“Darling, what happened? Why are you so upset?” Severus asked her, his voice filled with concern. When she didn’t answer, Severus became even more concerned but connected the dots. “Lupin came to see you, I’ll kill him.” She let out a teary chuckle at the threat he said under his breath.

“He came into my office, I thought it was you at first because I hadn’t looked up but I was wrong. He apologized and then wanted me to say something to him and I just screamed at him. It felt good to finally get it all out but it still hurts,” She finally explained.

“I’m glad that the foul git got what he deserved. Do you want to talk about it?” She had nodded her head and the two talked for nearly 3 hours, about everything that was going on. Severus reassuring her as they talked and validating her feelings and her thoughts as the conversation continued. They had moved their conversation to a sofa she had in her office, eventually talking until they fell asleep. That was how Minerva found the pair when she had been wanting to chat with Y/N about Remus’ new position in the school. In all of the years she had known Severus, she had never seen the man sleep, let alone even yawn, so imagine her surprise seeing one of the most beloved professors sleep on a couch with the most dreaded professors together, not only just sleeping but snuggled together. Severus had his arms wrapped around her in a seemingly protective manner, Y/N’s head dipped down, resting on his chest, one arm around his waist, the other tucked into her chest.

Minerva just knew that she had to tell Albus and Sybil about the sight she took in. Before leaving the greenhouse office, she made sure that the lights were out and the two of them were covered in a blanket Y/N had lying around in her office. Minerva finally left the office with a smile on her face and a warmed heart at the sight.

342 notes · View notes

crystlizabeth · 1 year

Text

Snape going protective dad mode on a peer who was blaming his daughter for being ‘distracting’.

Severus Snape & Zhuri Snape

“Theres no need to make a big deal about it.”

Severus stopped turning to look at his daughter. Her dark eyes pleading not to make a scene of the situation.

“Remind me what professor Harlem said to you about your out of school clothing.” He said.

Zhuri looked away not because she was embarrassed but for the fact she let the man practically shame her for the body she grew into over the summer. She was 15 a developing young woman that quickly grew into her curves over the summer.

“That I was distracting, that what i was wearing was inappropriate..” she spoke annoyed her eyes looking away from her father.

“And what are you wearing.” His voice was softened. What Harlem said bothered the girl it made him crawl in his skin knowing a grown Man was letting his eyes wonder on her. His daughter a child.

“A long sleeve thats slightly tighter than most and some low rises.” She answered, The shirt only came up a little showing the width of two finger together but nothing more the jeans where you normal low rises with rhinestone pockets. “Thats why i don’t understand what his problem is im wearing what I normally would on a day off around here for christ sake!” She exclaimed, her hands hitting here sides in frustration.

“Exactly there is nothing wrong with what you’re wearing and him telling you that you’re distracting, disgust me. It shouldn’t be a bother to him for he is a grown man.” Severus spoke to his daughter, she new what he meant the new professor had been gazing at her in an inappropriate matter and telling her that it was her fault.

“I just don’t want to make a big deal out of it hes just some creep that needs to be removed from the school.” Zhuri said her voice filled with irritation, not because of her father wanting to go talk to the man but for the fact she let it happen her self. How the middle aged man blamed her for his inappropriate behavior.

“Exactly, and he will be. Now return to your dormitory i will deal with it from here.” He said reassuring Zhuri. She nodded turning around to walk back down ti the dungeon back to Slytherin dormitory. It hurt him watching how she crossed her arms around her body in a shameful matter hiding herself, as if she had to be ashamed of something she has no control over.

“Professor Harlem a word.” Severus voice spoke darkly as he entered the room.

A little drabble hope you like it it bit on the more sensitive topics lmk if you want more Zhuri!

#severus snape #pro severus #snape community #snape fandom #snape x oc #x black reader #snape love #snape x pocreader #snape fanfiction #poc reader #black reader #dad snape #pro snape #dad!snape #dad!snape x black!daughter #Zhuri Snape #Severus & Zhuri #Zhurius #Sevi

346 notes · View notes

teaforthotxxx · 6 months

Text

Thinking of Wolfstar and how I sound like a freak trying to explain how

This

Became this

Like I would love to explain how around 2014, there was a sudden rise and resurrection second coming of christ our lord saviour Wolfstar. And, we fancasted so hard that almost 10 years later, we’re still stuck on this. And how most of the hp queer fandom started to latch onto these characters cause there was no other representation and these two started it all.

In the wake of she-who-shall-not-be-named spitting in our trans brothers and sisters’ faces, more of the hp fandom has retreated to the Marauders Era (a completely fanon lore with POCs and Queer people). That somehow this fanon non-profit lore had a better understanding of the world than canon and redeemed Slytherins by showing how inter-generational trauma affected them. By showing us that Bellatrix Lestrange was only a pawn in the Black family’s game. That Narcissa and Regulus were only doing what they had to do to survive. Sirius’ madness was not just for eccentric reasons.

This fandom highlighted the treatment of house elves. Talked about slavery. Talked about Queen Dame Lily EVANS’ childhood!! She wasn’t just a plot device to redeem Severus Snape. She was the muggle voice in the group. She was the witch that was outcasted by her muggle sister because she believed in magic. She was minority in two worlds. She was the Marauders’ friend. She wasn’t a prude or a damsel to be saved. She wasn’t just Harry’s mother. She was one of the brightest witches of her time. Harry inherited her WIT, her perseverance, her defiance, her pride, unrelenting nature. Harry Potter inherited more than her eyes. He inherited her ability to thrive in the face of trauma.

Joanne could have never given this to us. I don’t think any one person could give us this. This was a collection of rewritten lore from people who loved the universe it created but wished to be seen. And, I love my sometimes problematic and inconsistent little fandom.

How do I not sound insane doing this?

#marauders era #hp fic #harry potter #james potter #marauders #jegulus #remus lupin #peter pettigrew #sirius black #severus snape #wolfstar #lily evans #anti jk rowling #hp fancast #regulus black #quillkiller #most noble house of black

279 notes · View notes

enchantinglyjade · 7 months

Text

𝕊𝕙𝕒𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕖𝕕 𝔽𝕒𝕥𝕖𝕤

Chapter Two

Ravenclaw!OC x Slytherin Boys

Masterlist Previous | Next Warnings: None

Twila wakes up with a groan, flopping her face back over into the pillow and just barely fighting the urge to fall back asleep. With another noise of protest, she pushes herself up, fluttering her eyes open to look at the setting moon just outside her dark window. Each second she sits there, attempting to gather the strength to grasp the day, the sky only turns a slightly lighter shade of navy blue.

She stretches, groaning as her tired legs bring her body to a stand and over to her luggage to find clothes. Once dressed, she quietly exits her dorm, rubbing her tired eyes as she watches for any awake students or patrols. She remembers Jewel mentioning the Slytherin Common Room being in the dungeons. She’d look there for this old detention room.

She lazily trudges down the many, many steps the castle holds, her cloak just barely sweeping the floors as she passes by each empty hall. It’s nice to see the castle without all of its inhabitants about. Even the paintings are quiet and asleep, hopefully the infamous ghosts are as well.

Eventually, she finds a dimly lit stairwell leading down towards a wall with two rusted gold colored snake torches. She descends down the stairs before standing at the bottom of them and staring at an empty wall. Surely something would have to be here. It’s too big an area, too many hallways leading to this exact spot for it to be nothing but a crossroad. She looks down, noticing another snake symbol built into the very tiles that make up the floor. The Slytherin Common Room must be near. With one last look at the empty wall, she begins down another dim lit hallway.

She treads lightly, careful not to make noise, and careful to watch her surroundings for any magic that might frighten her in the darkness. She turns a corner slowly, backing away with a jump as she sees a faint figure standing at the end of one of the corridors.

“Ah! There you are, Twila.” Ah, Ms. McGonagall. With a smile, Twila begins walking towards her, her shoulders now relaxing as the professor's face slowly comes into view. “I was beginning to worry you had lost your way. It is such a big school after all, especially for a new student.”

She chuckles at her words. “Yes, it is.”

Ms. McGonagall extends her hand, ushering me to her side. “Come. Professor Snape is waiting inside.” She reaches for a rusted iron gate door, before pulling it open to, yet another, dark and eerie hallway, much smaller than the other corridors however. Twila follows her to a dead end, seemingly an old classroom, now mostly bare with torn banners, splintered benches, and cobwebs. And then, behind an old tattered desk, they see the infamous man along with the Headmaster. “Severus, Professor Dumbledore, this is Twila DeLuna. Our newest Ravenclaw.”

A sense of panic washes over Twila as she feels somewhat overwhelmed with all three of them having their eyes on her.

“Ms. DeLuna, it is a pleasure to finally meet you.” Dumbledore greets.

She gives him a small bow of respect as she warmly smiles back at him, though considering their exchange of letters over the summer, it is clear to Twila that he has extreme worries towards her. Just like Ilvermorny had.

“As promised, Professor Snape will be helping us dissect your situation, and we are always around to ensure your time spent here is most comfortable. We are very pleased to have you here at Hogwarts, Twila. Now, we shall leave the two of you to discuss. Good luck.” Ms. McGonagall finishes, smiling at Twila before walking towards the door.

“Thank you, Severus.” Headmaster whispers to Professor Snape, before bowing to Twila with a smile. “Welcome. We will do our best to help you. Always.” And with that, he exits the room as well, leaving just Snape and her.

Despite Twila’s dread, she was not the only one feeling anxious towards this meeting.

Professor Snape had spent his entire evening studying the little information he had about this girl in the short amount of time given to him. The deed had already taken a toll on him and he had yet to even begin. However, she has a rare case indeed, and he would be lying to himself if he said no part of him is invested, but he can still hardly grasp why it is his duty to handle the situation as opposed to a real professional.

With a sigh, Snape slowly makes his way back behind the desk. He keeps his eyes down, sitting in the desk’s chair almost as if he’s not even aware the girl is in the room with him. He picks up an envelope, similar to the one that had been given to Twila. He pulls out its contents and glances over the words while she stands there, waiting for him to address her, lecture her, tell her good morning, but nothing. Twila notes that his letter had already been torn open, and considering the worn folds and slightly torn edges, it had been read countless of times.

“I know why you have been sent here. To Hogwarts.” He states, still having yet to glance up from the letter.

Twila shifts uncomfortably in the dark and cold room, not knowing the most appropriate way to act, stand, or respond.

He pauses, trying to think of the best way to ask this question while staying polite and non-threatening. “I was also told, you weren’t very honest about it at Ilvermorny. Is this true?” He asks, finally setting down the paper to peer into her eyes with his dark, sullen ones.

Now she gulps. “It’s not the easiest thing for a child to admit to.”

He nods slightly. “That is understandable. It’s alright, I’m not angry with you. I won’t force you to tell me everything, but we will need some information to properly move forward.”

She looks at him, somewhat untrustworthy and remaining silent.

He looks back down at the desk with a sigh. Snape realizes Twila may have developed a fear and lack of trust with strangers due to the things he had read about her past. He’ll have to take a different approach. “Have you lived in the U.S. your whole life?” He asks suddenly.

Twila’s eyes perk up at this. She studies him for a moment. “Yes.” She nods hesitantly. “I grew up in Minnesota, but a few years ago my mom and I moved to New Orleans.”

He simply nods at this. “What was it like living in Minnesota? Did you enjoy it there?” He asks, satisfied with her previous answer for she seemed to be talking more.

She lets out a quiet, dry scoff. “No.” She answers, almost surprised by her own blunt honesty.

Snape, too, finds himself surprised by her response, eyeing her as if to study her character. He takes a moment to process this before speaking again. “And what do you find so unappealing about it?”

“The memories.” She answers quietly, almost instantly.

The professor considers her answer for a long while, before asking her another question. “Do you prefer living in New Orleans?”

She nods. “Very much. More culture. More wizards. More food.” She chuckles to herself at the last part.

He eyes her in thought at this answer, fiddling with a left behind, dried pen on the desk. She’s continuing the conversation. Maybe if he stays on the topic of life, she will open up more. “And your family. You live with your mother, correct?”

She nods.

He nods back. “And your father?” He asks softly, almost knowingly.

She shifts uncomfortably, looking away before shrugging.

His face seems to deepen as he reads her body language. “Did… something bad happen?” He asks cautiously.

She shrugs again. “No… I just– don’t know him.”

“I see.” He looks at me quietly. It could be nothing, but something in her answer makes her suspicious enough for him to press further into the subject. So, before she can change or avoid the matter, he asks another short question.“Why?”

She holds back a grumble, finding herself suddenly annoyed at the little therapy session she got herself into. “I stopped asking a long time ago.”

He remains quiet for a while, looking into her eyes in the silent room. He notices the sadness behind the smile she shows. He wonders if he should press further. It is clear to him that this is a sensitive topic for her and he wants to be as respectful as possible while still getting answers from her. “Did you move to New Orleans for a fresh start?” He asks.

“Something like that.”

Snape notes her evasiveness. The fact that she doesn’t give him any straight answer proves to him there’s more than she is letting on. He lets out a deep sigh, somewhat annoyed at playing detective with her. He knows it will be rude of him to continue digging where clearly she does not want him to dig, so he decides to shift the conversation once more. “Did you enjoy your time at Ilvermorny?”

She laughs softly at this. “No.”

Snape raises a brow in intrigue, leaning forward to press both his forearms into the desk. “Is it okay if I ask why? I’ve heard Ilvermorny is a good school.”

“Not for everyone.” She says, her eyes filling with a deep sense of story, sorrow, and darkness.

His demeanor softens somewhat, eyes flashing with memories of his own experiences when it came to gaining his education. He feels a sudden sympathy towards her. “I’ve heard you had excellent grades at Ilvermorny. Was magic easy for you?”

She shifts again. “Not always…”

Yet another sensitive subject. She’s avoiding something, something big, and he is fed up with tiptoeing around it when he hardly needed to be here to begin with. “Then what exactly was causing you so much trouble?” He asks directly with a stern voice. He wanted a real answer from her.

She gulps at his change of tone, feeling like a child that has just gotten scolded by a parent. “I, um…” She attempts to begin. “I was a late bloomer, but… I developed fast. Faster than I could handle… and it was hard- hard to control. And I got bullied. A lot.” She swallows down a lump in her throat, not making eye contact with him. She doesn’t know why it’s so hard for her to talk about, but it’s the first time she’s really sharing this story with anyone.

He notices her avoiding his gaze, struggling to find her words. As he had expected, school related trauma, much like his own. “Did something happen, Twila? Something that you’re trying to avoid?” He asks straightforwardly, but in a gentle tone.

Her eyes suddenly feel empty as she stares down nothing in particular on the floor. She speaks quietly, but darkly, shamefully. “I looked for help in places I shouldn’t have.”

Although cautious of the many things this could mean, he leans back in satisfaction, finally feeling like they are heading somewhere. He has a new understanding of something. He thinks about her answer for a while. “What exactly do you mean?” He asks in a calm tone, hoping to get her to open up, but she can’t seem to find her voice.

He is to get nowhere today, though he still thinks the conversation went well, despite it being unfinished. Perhaps it’s best to let their conversation settle for the day and speak again another time. He sighs. “Alright.” He stands from his spot, leaving the conversation where it is. “Class will begin shortly. I recommend we leave before the students exit their common rooms. It was nice speaking with you, Twila. We shall continue this at our next meeting.”

Twila stands, letting out a breath she didn’t know she was holding in, relieved that their meeting is over for the day.

He reaches to shake her hand, which she accepts hesitantly, before she watches him exit the classroom. He stops just before the door can close, catching it with his heel. “Come along, now.” He says with an impatient tone. She quickly races towards the door, exiting the room with him.

She walks with him down the hall until she sees the familiar cross section with the snake torches. She turns around to face Snape again, but when she does, he’s gone. Twila hums to herself, brows furrowed in confusion as she looks around for her teacher, but he is nowhere to be seen. She stands in the hall alone as she hears the distant sounds of feet shuffling and voices mumbling. The students are waking.

༺ ☆ ༻

She strides slowly to her next class, seeing as she has the time. She takes a scenic route to Charms, strolling around the castle and looking at the paintings and decor as one student comes out of the common rooms, then 10, then 100, then more.

Surprisingly, Twila is not the first to enter the classroom. In fact, a decent amount of students are already seated and speaking amongst themselves. She sees the familiar short blonde waves that adorn Celia’s head, barely contrasting with the yellow of the girl’s uniform. Celia smiles as her friend enters and gestures to a spot next to her. Twila makes her way over, but not before she recognizes another face.

Ominis sits on the opposite side of the classroom besides another young man she didn’t recognize quite yet.. She feels the push to go over and greet her new friend, however she hears Jewel’s words echo through her head and decides against it, continuing to sit next to Celia instead.

Could Gaunts really be that bad? She asks herself, now cautious of the stranger she had only met the day before, curious of what dark secrets lie behind his seemingly kind face.

In the corner of her eye, Twila notices Ominis and his friend speaking. The stranger listens to Ominis speak for a moment before looking Twila’s way. She glances at him as he studies her, but she turns back to Celia just as quickly. It is clear that Ominis was speaking about her and she had caught the attention of his friend. However, she chooses to ignore it and sets down her notebook to write notes as, head of her house, Professor Flitwick begins his lecture.

Twila jots down a last sentence about a concealment charm the professor had mentioned. She'll have to look more into that later. Then, she packs up her things, following Celia out the door, but not before passing by Ominis first.

“Hello, Twila.” He greets softly.

“Hey.” Is all she responds back, before guiltily exiting the room. However, something was not making sense to Ominis.

Out into the hallway, Twila parts ways with Celia to stride to her next class, after the latter bids the young girl good luck. An ‘interesting choice of electives’ as Jewel would put it, however what Twila had left out was she was not only taking Arithmancy, Divination, and Ancient Runes, but that she was taking N.E.W.T. level Arithmancy, Divination, and Ancient Runes. A secret to spare her the embarrassment of being ‘extremely Ravenclaw’. Sure she is one, but they needn’t know how much of one.

She enters the classroom, 7 students total sitting in chairs across the room. A bystander would not think someone like Twila would be interested in such a class, let alone the brains to fly through it. She sticks out like a sore thumb, especially with being outnumbered in a room full of… academic looking boys, let's just say.

The boys whisper amongst her, watching as she sits down and finds a blank sheet of parchment to write on, however, Twila blows this off with ease, much more interested in the information this class would present her with. As class goes on, Twila can hardly put her pen down, constantly scribbling down different thoughts and ideas about runes that come to her mind as the professor speaks.

After lunch, Twila heads to her last class of the day, Transfiguration, which she is not at all excited for, and for the second time that day, she sees Ominis, sitting in the back of their third shared class. However this time, they are both without their friends.

She quietly sits beside him, her hands in her lap.

“Hey, Twila.” He says cautiously, remembering her acting strangely towards him just a few hours before.

“Hello.” She responds rather shyly, and those are the only words they exchange the entire class.

When the professor dismisses the room to work on their reading assignment, Twila shuts her book with a deep sigh, slouching down into her seat exhaustedly, mind already having been spent from her previous N.E.W.T. classes.

Ominis opens his mouth before shutting it again, turning his head towards the front of the classroom. This lasts for approximately 3 seconds before he turns back towards the girl. “Twila, is something the matter?”

She looks at him for a moment, studying his worried brows. She lets out a breath. “I suck at Transfiguration.” She states bluntly.

He chuckles at her response. “Most don’t really have a knack for this subject. I’m sure you’re not the only one.” He reassures her.

“Luckily I have next hour open to study more.” She says, sitting up in her chair to gather her papers and pencil.

His face seems to light up at her words, his body straightening out as he faces her. “As do I. Would you like to study together? We can go to the library.” He offers.

Twila smiles at this. “Sure. I’ve been dying to see what this library looks like.”

His face brightens even further. "Oh, you'll be in for a treat. The library is huge. It's full of ancient scrolls and tomes, you’re going to love it."

She smiles softly, struggling to believe the things Jewel said about this boy.

As the clock strikes 3:05 the class is over and the two both leave the room together. Their way to the library, Ominis asks her a question, trying to get to know her better. “So, you said you’re from America?” He asks curiously.

She nods. “Yeah, I grew up in one of the northern states.”

“The North? What is it like there?” He asks, as they slowly make their way through the lush green courtyard.

“Cold.” She chuckles.

He chuckles along with her. “I bet it’s very cold during the winter, isn’t it?”

She shrugs. “I suspect it’s not too different from here, same latitude and all. Though I’m not sure how weather works in the wizarding world…” She trails off in thought with a raised brow.

He furrows his brows at this suggestion, before finding himself now pondering the possibilities of magical influence on the weather. “Perhaps it may be different. I’ve actually never given it a thought.” He shakes his head before he too gets lost in his own mind. “Anyways, tell me about your family. What are they like?”

She picks at the ribbing of her sleeve. “Well…” She begins reluctantly. “I live with my mom… that’s about it actually.”

Ominis notices a hint of sadness in her voice as she speaks of this. “I take it you grew up with just your mom?” He asks with a concerned expression on his face.

“I grew up in my grandmother's house actually. I used to have a huge family. We were a loud bunch; wild and, debatably, insane at times, but things were fun. Eventually my grandma passed and everyone kinda just… went away. Now it’s just my mom and I.” She finishes softly.

Ominis tilts his head towards the floor. “I’m sorry. I know how hard it is to lose someone.” His eyes almost seem a lighter shade of blue as he says this. “You said your family was wild? Did they cast all sorts of crazy spells when you were growing up?” He asks with a smile.

She chuckles at this. “U-uh… yeah.” She answers quietly, but he notices the hesitation in her voice. Ominis ignores the urge to pry, instead guiding her into the quiet but abnormally large library, where they find a table to seat themselves at. As they enter, Twila’s jaw drops as she darts her head to and fro to take in all of her surroundings.

Ominis takes her silence as awe, smiling when he hears her astonished ‘whoa’. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” He says with excitement in his voice.

“Yeah…” She says breathily, slowly dropping into her seat as her eyes stay glued to the ceiling. Eventually, she brings herself down enough to bring out her transfiguration book like they had intended to do, carefully skimming over the page in silence.

Suddenly, Ominis turns to Twila. “May I ask you a question.” He says in a calm voice. Her head perks up from the book, turning towards him. He nearly hesitates, but his concern gets the best of him. “Sorry, but I must ask. Why were you acting so strange this morning? You seemed bothered? Did I do something to upset you?” He asks genuinely.

As she hears this, she sighs, letting her hand fall flat against the book. “Someone… told me that I should stay away from you because you’re… a Gaunt. But, I don’t want to believe that you’re a bad person.” She admits nervously, hoping that, if it’s true, he won’t take advantage of the fact that she trusts him.

He is surprised by this revelation. Although he is aware of the reputation and rumors that go around because of his family name, he is shocked Twila had discovered them so quickly and been nearly affected by them. “I see.” He says disappointedly, wondering just who would tell her to go to such extreme lengths. “Well, whoever told you that is quite mistaken. While it is unfortunately true the reputation my family has, I assure you I am against their practices and have gone as far as disowning my home because of it. I don’t want to be like them…”

She nods softly, feeling guilty for bringing it up. “I can tell you don’t.” She states empathetically.

He smiles. “I am glad you understand. You would be one of few to separate me from my family name. But, it is alright if you still feel cautious to get close. I understand it will take some time for you to trust me.”

Twila frowns. “I do trust you, and I’m sorry for making assumptions. I just don’t know who to trust anymore, especially when it comes to those on the opposite side of the world. Hogwarts feels like a new dimension to me.” She chuckles sadly, taking another look around the foreign library.

A light chuckle emerges from his throat, fondly smiling as he imagines her situation. “Hogwarts is indeed a new dimension to explore and the people are quite different from American witches and wizards. I suppose it’s a bit difficult to trust anyone nowadays though.” He says with a slight shrug. “Do you feel homesick at all?”

“A little.” She says, running her finger over the thin textbook pages. “But in a way, I’m kind of glad to be away for a while.”

He furrows his brows, interest piqued from this. He feels as though there is more to be said behind her words, but again, he refrains from prying. “How do you find Hogwarts compares to Ilvermorny so far?”

She shrugs. “Honestly, it’s not too different on a basic level. Hogwarts is definitely older though. It has far more history and traditions, a lot more prestigious as well. My friends warned me of the different social classes at Hogwarts and I admit I’m still a little nervous about it all. It’s so different from how we see things in America.”

He takes note of her anxiousness as she speaks, but again his curiosity is piqued. “In America, things are much more relaxed, I presume?”

Twila’s cheek grows raw as she nibbles on the inside of it, finding the right way to put her words. “In a way, yes. But in many ways, no.” She leans back in her chair, pondering over her home country's issues. “In America, we tend not to care much about blood status. A wizard is a wizard, to most anyway. But while America isn’t particularly prejudiced against half-bloods or muggleborns, they are very prejudiced against muggles. It just became legal, only a few years back, that a wizard and no-maj could marry again. But, clearly, there are issues still, considering the new laws they are trying to pass.” Ominis raises a brow at this for her to continue. She sighs. “Some people want to pass a law that states any magical child with muggle parents be taken from their families once they receive their magic. That way the parents are never exposed to our world.” She finishes with a frown.

Ominis is completely stunned to hear this, feeling that America sounded more like a dystopia than anything. “They want to take away the children from their parents?” He turns to Twila, disgust and confusion building in his voice.

She lets out a dry chuckle. “That’s America for you. It’s not the first time they’ve passed some crazy, inhuman law, trust me, wizarding world or otherwise.” She rests her head into her hand, slumping over the desk.

However, despite Twila’s casual nature towards the subject she is clearly more than used to, Ominis can still barely wrap his head around this new information. “Do muggleborn children have no say in the matter? Surely the parents would protest, do they not?”

She shrugs once more. “I believe they wish to obliviate the parents, that way they’d never even remember they had a child in the first place. Then they throw the child into a wizard orphanage or something.” Twila didn’t look into the law too much, the little bit of information she had heard was enough to make her feel extremely distant from her own community.

He looks at her in horror, just the idea alone sounding terrifying to him. “That’s awful. I can’t imagine living with no memory of my own family. How can they justify this type of hatred?”

“The same way people over here can justify murdering muggleborn, I suppose.” She answers sadly, remembering all the things Jewel mentioned about the Death Eater population that used to reside here only a few years ago.

Ominis goes quiet, sighing at her words as he understands America’s logic just a little bit better now after considering his own experiences on the large island he himself grew up on. “Are muggleborns treated like that in America as well?” He asks with concern.

“Not by the government anyways. MACUSA claims they’d be protecting muggleborns with such a law, and I think they actually believe that too. It’s muggles they despise so deeply, all because one man a hundred years ago tried to expose the wizarding world and they haven't been the same since.”

He nods. “What about your family? Are they okay with you coming to Hogwarts and being with muggleborns and half-bloods?”

She pauses for just a bit too long and it doesn’t go unnoticed by him. “Of course… My family has no problem with them or muggles. We see everyone as equal.”

He lifts his head, studying her words carefully. “I see.” He responds quietly and calmly, but not in a convinced manner. He considers everything they had talked about so far, her views, her family, the way she acts, her hesitancy, then it clicks in his mind. “I see.” He repeats once more as everything comes together more clearly now, but he decides not to reveal anything so as to not make her feel uncomfortable. “Shall we continue studying?”

For a moment, Twila is caught off guard by him switching subjects so suddenly, yet is more than happy to go along with it. However, she is much more cautious with her reading, on edge and waiting for him to press into the previous subjects again at any moment.

Once studying for a while, Twila checks the time. “I think dinner’s starting soon, should we head out?”

“Already?” Ominis asks, stretching from all the studying they had done today. “I can walk with you there if you’d like.” He offers with a kind smile.

She smiles back, standing with him as they both collect their things and head out of the large room. They walk with a slight awkward silence between them, as Ominis contemplates what he could say to her. Before he can gather the courage to say anything, they arrive at the entrance of the Great Hall. “Well, I think my friends are waiting for me. But-...” She pauses for a moment. “Would you like to meet every Tuesday after class to study? We could make the library our spot?” She suggests with a smile.

Ominis is caught off guard by this suggestion at first, considering his previous growing suspicions of her. Nonetheless, he accepts happily. “That sounds like a great idea, Twila. I would like that.”

Her smile grows at this. “Sounds good. See you in Charms tomorrow.”

And with that, she heads to her table, her three friends all waiting for her there. They ask her about her day and she tells them, leaving out just little minute details about her new friend whom she had agreed to meet with regularly now.

#black fanfiction #poc #oc fanfiction #harry potter #hp #ravenclaw #slytherin #draco malfoy #severus snape #ominis gaunt #sebastian sallow #mattheo riddle #tom riddle #wizarding world #hogwarts #hogwarts legacy #shadowed fates

15 notes · View notes