Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

-68-

The next day comes. Severus never came to my chamber. I try to convince myself it's not a big deal, but... Can't say I'm not disappointed. After I took Sniffy to his morning walk, I walk back inside the castle. Just when I come to thru the doors I get meet with the Potions Master himself. Slightly surprised by this:"Severus..- G-good morning.". "Good morning, (Y/L)." he nods. He doesn't seem particularly happy or mad. More like tired than usual. "Is everything alright?" I ask. That made him raise a brow:"...Yes. Why'd you ask?". "Well..-" before I can say anything else, Sniffy goes beside Severus and starts rubbing himself against his ankle. Bright smile appears on my face:"He really does like you, Sevy!". The man doesn't look too convinced as he's staring down the niffler:"Yes, well... Can't say our feelings are mutual.". "Hey, he's not that bad! You must admit he's cute at least." I try to argue. "Very well. But not as cute as the witch in front of me." he simply reply. My head snaps up to look at him with blush on my cheeks, and I get met with this wistful smile.

Then, the thought of yesterday comes back to me:"Ah, Sev. About tomorrow..-", "Severus." Dumbledore's voice echoes other side of the corridor. Both of our heads immediately turn to the direction. Surprised to see the Headmaster this early in the morning. I try to compose myself:"Good morning, Headmaster!". The man next to me won't say a word. Dumbledore gives me a nod, then turns his focus on the Potions Master:"Thought I would find you this side of the castle. I need you in my office. The sooner, the better.". "Right away, Master." Severus reply and without making any eye contact with me, he leaves by my side. "B-bye then..." my voice goes small. Again, I have left watch him go as the long cape trails behind him. Sniffy looks up to me as in asking if I'm alright. Looking down at the niffler with fade smile:"He's just busy. That's all.". Not sure if I said that just to convince Sniffy that I'm not upset, or was it just for myself.

The day goes on. Feels like the time goes by flying. Anytime there is an opening after classes or after the lunch, I get stopped by a student or another professor, so there hasn't been any change for me to go talk to Severus. Why this keeps happening?! It's really getting me, really. The last lesson of the day is fully on going. I'm sitting behind my desk while the students of seventh years are writing down their essays. My thoughts keeps trailing off. There are so many things to do after the class is over! Need to get into Hogsmeade and buy some ingredients to be able to make the fudge. Come back to the castle and eat some dinner. Take care of the niffler such as feeding him and take him to his walk. Look some of the students essays. Make the fudge - which is going to be interesting since I haven't done it before. And maybe bath Sniffy before bed...

All of these thoughts keeps spinning around my head as I try to figure out when am I be able to go visit Severus. "Professor?" one of the student's voice brings me back from my thoughts. Quickly my gaze snaps up from the desk to them:"Yes?!". Immediately realizing all of the students have left, there is only one left standing. "What?!" I shoot up from my seat confused. The Hufflepuff student - Cedric Diggory, raise his hands up as defence when he gets surprised my sudden act:"The-they all left. It's already over three pm, Professor.". I take a look at the time and my shoulders relax:"Oh...". How come I didn't even realize that?! I must've look like a fool while just sitting here and do nothing... Then, I notice how there really is a pile of essays on the desk. Oh, Merlin. Defeated, I go sit back down and rub my temples. I need to do better.

Cedric walks up to my desk and places his essay on the pile:"Is everything alright, Professor?". Quickly, I raise a smile on my face and look at the student with reassuring eyes:"Ah, yes! Yes. Everything's fine. It just has been... Hectic, I guess.". He smiles back:"Well, don't overwork yourself, alright?". I nod while laughing it all off:"I won't, I won't. If anything, I'd need to do more.". Cedric and I haven't had many conversations in the past, but back when I was the Head of the Hufflepuff last year, he and I have exchanged a few pleasant conversations here and there. He's very polite and friendly young man. Soon, we start a light chatter and began discuss about the Valentine's Day and how big of a fuss it is.