Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟎𝟏 - 𝓝𝓮𝔀 𝓑𝓮𝓰𝓲𝓷𝓷𝓲𝓷𝓰𝓼

I stood at the front of my classroom in Hogwarts, feeling the familiar thrill that came with starting a new lesson. The History of Magic classroom had seen better days, but I had worked hard to infuse it with energy and a touch of humor. Gone were the dreary lectures of Professor Binns; in their place, a vibrant tapestry of stories and debates.

"Alright, everyone," I began, my voice carrying over the soft murmurs of my students. "Today, we're diving into the Goblin Rebellions. Who can tell me why these were significant turning points in magical history?"

Hands shot up across the room, and I couldn't help but smile. The enthusiasm was palpable. I called on a bright-eyed Ravenclaw, who launched into a detailed explanation.

As the lesson progressed, I noticed a group of Gryffindors in the back exchanging amused glances. "Something to share with the class?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

One of them, a tall boy with a mischievous grin, cleared his throat. "Professor, we were just wondering if the goblins had any help from the house-elves during the rebellions."

I paused, considering the question. "An excellent inquiry. In fact, there were instances where house-elves did assist the goblins, though these alliances were rare and often fraught with mistrust. We'll explore this further in our next class."

The bell rang, signaling the end of the lesson. "Don't forget to read chapters three and four for our next meeting," I called out as the students gathered their belongings. "And think about how different magical creatures have shaped our history."

Once the classroom had emptied, I gathered my notes and headed towards the Great Hall for lunch. The corridors of Hogwarts were as familiar to me as the lines on my palm, yet they still held a sense of wonder and nostalgia.

I entered the Great Hall, the buzz of conversation and clatter of cutlery greeting me. I spotted a few familiar faces among the faculty—Remus Lupin, who had returned to teach Defense Against the Dark Arts, and Minerva McGonagall, ever the stern yet fair head of Gryffindor House. I made my way to the staff table, nodding at colleagues I knew in passing.

"Good afternoon, (Y/N)," Remus greeted me with a warm smile as I took a seat beside him.

"Good afternoon, Remus," I replied, returning the smile. "How's your day been so far?"

"Eventful, as always," he said with a chuckle. "The third years are quite the handful, but it's rewarding to see them grasp new concepts."

I nodded, knowing exactly what he meant. Our conversation was interrupted by the arrival of Severus Snape, who took his usual seat with a scowl. I felt a familiar tension settle over me. We had never gotten along well, even back in my student days. He had always been older, more focused on his own pursuits, and disdainful of what he perceived as my frivolous interests.

"Professor Snape," I greeted coolly, receiving a curt nod in response. It was the bare minimum of civility, and I sighed inwardly. Some things never changed.

Minerva leaned over, her keen eyes missing nothing. "I trust your first months has been smooth, (Y|N)?"

"Quite smooth, thank you, Minerva," I said. "The students are engaging, and it's been a pleasure to teach them."

"That's good to hear," she replied, her stern features softening slightly. "History of Magic needed a breath of fresh air."

Our conversation turned to lighter topics, and I found myself laughing more than I had expected. Yet, as lunch wore on, I couldn't help but steal glances at Severus. His dark eyes were focused on his plate, his expression inscrutable.

The afternoon sun streamed through the enchanted ceiling, casting a golden glow over the Great Hall. I felt a mix of anticipation and determination.

The day felt interminable, but there was one more class to teach before I could finally have some peace. As I wandered through the ancient hallways of Hogwarts, the familiar stones and tapestries evoked a cascade of memories from my own school days.