ℒℯ𝓈𝓈ℴ𝓃 ℴ𝒻 ℒ𝒾𝒻ℯ 𝑒𝑛𝑔𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ

❀ 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝓉𝓌ℯ𝓃𝓉𝓎 𝓉𝓌ℴ ❀

❤︎𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓶𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓫𝓮𝓪𝓾𝓽𝓲𝓯𝓾𝓵 𝓽𝓱𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓵𝓲𝓯𝓮 𝓪𝓻𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓵𝓲𝓽𝓽𝓵𝓮 𝓼𝓾𝓻𝓹𝓻𝓲𝓼𝓮𝓼 𝓲𝓽 𝓱𝓪𝓼 𝓲𝓷 𝓼𝓽𝓸𝓻𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓻 𝓾𝓼❤︎

With a sigh of relief, the final notes of my last lesson reverberate through the hallowed corridors, signaling the culmination of a day that seemed to stretch into eternity. As I navigate the empty hallways, my footsteps echo in tandem with the fluttering of nerves that tangle within me, guiding me toward the kitchen. At the threshold of this sanctum, Hockey, the petite house elf, greets me with shimmering eyes that radiate an otherworldly joy.

"Miss, the cake is a masterpiece. I daresay Master Snape shall find it most pleasing."

A tinge of bashfulness colors my cheeks as I sweep a tendril of hair behind my ear.

"I fervently hope so. Hockey, I extend my deepest gratitude for allowing me to utilize your kitchen and for the tender care bestowed upon this confection."

The elf's luminescence intensifies, as if imbued with an enchantment, as she delicately presents the sweet creation to me. With the cake in my possession, an inspiration takes hold of my consciousness.

"Hockey, may I make a humble request?"

"Certainly, miss. I shall comply with any wish that falls from your lips."

"Could you bring the cake to me when I summon you?"

"Of course, miss. It would be a profound honor."

Radiant with joy and anticipation, I depart from the kitchen once more, ascending the steps to my chambers. Retrieving the book on roses, which I had retrieved within the vast labyrinth of the library, I embark on a deliberate journey toward the dungeons. Standing before the imposing door that guards Professor Snape's office, I rouse a knock upon its darkened wood.

"Enter," his voice resonates, beckoning me inward.

Silently, I glide into the room, where the enigmatic figure of the professor materializes at the threshold of his private chambers. His somber attire, a cloak of darkness, envelops him, evoking an indescribable tranquility within my being. Simultaneously, a tension unfurls, its ethereal tendrils whispering secrets of elusive allure.

"Good morrow, Professor," I venture, my words hanging in the air like delicate gossamer.

The onyx-hued irises fixe their discerning gaze upon me, as if attempting to penetrate the depths of my thoughts, causing a shiver to ripple through my form. Although it appears as if he delves into the recesses of my mind through the arcane art of Legilimency, I discern no intrusion upon the defenses of my thoughts.

"Good morrow, Miss Sinclair," he replies, his voice laced with a subtle hesitation, scarcely discernible. Yet, my protracted sojourn in his presence, within these very walls, has sharpened my perception to such nuances.

"As we shall find ourselves ineluctably entwined in our research, it may befit us, at least within the confines of the laboratory and solely in such moments of solitude, to cast aside the shackles of formality. While we remain alone within these hallowed chambers, you may address me... as Severus."

In this moment, my eyes become luminous beacons, akin to the resplendent North Star, casting forth a radiance that betrays the profound elation surging within me. It is as if a constellation of joy has taken root within my very being, igniting my spirit with an ethereal glow. Such is the magnitude of my emotions that they transcend mere earthly bounds, ascending to celestial heights.

Overwhelmed by the tide of gratitude, humility, and profound respect that sweeps over me, I stand in awe of the trust that Professor Snape, now graciously offering me the privilege to address him by his given name, Severus, has bestowed upon my unworthy self. It is a delicate thread that binds us, akin to the fragile filaments of a spider's web, woven meticulously with exquisite precision. I am acutely aware of the fragility of this newfound connection, and I am determined to nurture it with the utmost care, for it is a treasure to be cherished, a rare gem in the vast tapestry of life.