20 Chapter 20 - Severus

The professor looked around the Great Hall, in hope of spotting the girl who has been on his mind all night. He scowled and looked down at his plate shoving his food around. She wasn't at breakfast, nor at lunch, or at dinner; again. It had been two weeks since their first tutoring and that night's... Incident. He left the boys' detentions to Filch, knowing he was going to deal with them accordingly. Let's just say they got what they deserved, and the Potions Master couldn't have punished them better without a one-way ticket to Azkaban.

Candice annoyed him. However, that might have been because he cared for her too much. She attended all her scheduled lessons, as well as extras. The other professors informed Severus of her progress in each subject as he was her Head of House. She was doing well. No, that's a lie. She was doing amazing! He inwardly scoffs. Black was becoming one of the best students in her year - in all subjects, not just potions. In a way, she reminded him of Granger. Her dedication and intelligence. On the other hand, his girl was quiet, kept to herself. An- wait! Did he just call her 'his'? He shook her head and groaned, which gained the others' attention at the staff table.

"You okay, Severus?" Poppy asked curious.

"Just fine."

"You haven't really eaten." Minerva noted.

"Not hungry." he went to stand but the Lovegood girl placed a hand on his arm to stop him.

"Might I ask Professor, if you will return with Candice in a few minutes?" she questioned with a smile.

He rolled his eyes and nodded, before walking away. It had become their routine: on Mondays, he brought the girl before their session to eat; on Tuesdays, Minerva tried to get her to have a biscuit or two in their session; on Wednesdays, Lovegood took her to Hagrid for a snack; on Thursdays, Filius always waited for her with some food; and lastly, on Fridays, Longbottom made sure to pass by the kitchen when walking her to her second session of those nights. It was the least the professors could come up with to stop the girl from starving, as she missed each of her designated meal times. Again, Severus was informed of these too, as her wellbeing was his responsibility due to her house.

Albus was yet to return from his travels, which added another layer of worry to the man. Although, Fawkes did appear a few days ago with a letter, that said he was well and should be back soon. Still, the professor wondered anxiously where the old man might be and what might he be upto. He wished for his mentor and father-figure back. He would never admit it, but he missed his silly advices and twinkling eyes.

His thoughts returned to his Slytherins. A half-blood girl travelled home sometime ago, as her muggle father was not well. She was a fifth year, like Candice, and as far as Severus knew they were very good friends. She seemed like her only friend - and that was meant from both sides. The star student had seemed a bit down ever since the half-blood left. That as well as probably the 'incident'. On that note, he had to ask her at some point if the boys were leaving her alone. The Potions Master knew she was too stubborn to speak up, unless he himself asked. Perhaps, she wouldn't even give in then... But he had to try.

After taking a few wrong turns, due to his overthinking, he finally arrived at his classroom. Candice was already there, waiting patiently, as expected.

"Apologies, Miss Black. I lost my way." he attempted to cheer her up with a joking tone.

He received a nod of acknowledgement, her lips not even twitching. He sighed and let her in. She took her usual seat in front of his desk and began getting her books out. Has she forgot he usually takes him to the Great Hall? Yes, she always goes into the room first, purely for the reason that he is at his desk grading when she arrives. He lets her place her bag down, and then they make their way to eat. Maybe she thought he had just returned from dinner, and so they won't go for her to eat?

"Miss Black?" he stayed in the open doorway as she looked up, "We shan't miss your dinner."

Her cheeks flushed and she turned away, and mumbled something about already eating.

"Is that so? I didn't see you in the Hall."

She ignored him and opened her book.

"Miss Bl-"

"Look Sir. Y-your attempts are unnecessary and unappreciated." she held a hand up as he was to protest, "Don't t-think I'm stupid enough to not notice what y-you have got the other professors upto."

Her tone dripped with malice, and her stutter seemed almost unnoticeable. Has she been practicing to improve her speech? In addition, Severus was taken aback by her awareness to their subtle aid. He stepped in and shut the door.

"You skip all yours meals, Miss Black. Unless you have a death wish or you pray to get away from here and end up in St. Mungo's, I advice you to cooperate."

Those words came out harsher than the professor wanted them, and he did not miss her flinch. He sighed before sitting in front of her.

"Look. We want to help."

"I don't want y-your help!" she slammed her book shut and stood, "I came here t-to catch up on the w-work I missed the past five years. Not to be escorted elsewhere and b-be forced to-"

"Forced? Perhaps if you willingl-"

"FINE!" she spat, threw the door open and left.

Severus blinked. He never thought she would actually show any Slytherin qualities, yet here she was. He waited a few minutes, before he conjured his patronus and sent the doe to Minerva, asking if the girl had turned up in the Great Hall. He knew the Transfiguration Professor would still be there, as would Filius, Lovegood and Longbottom. They all wait to greet Candice. Every Monday.

A cat patronus strolled in, catching his a attention. It sat on his desk then tilted it's head before letting out a confused "no". He sighed, then went to find his girl. Wait, 'his'? Severus facepalmed himself, while walking out the room.