Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟎𝟑 - 𝓠𝓾𝓲𝓭𝓭𝓲𝓽𝓬𝓱 𝓪𝓷𝓭 𝓝𝓲𝓰𝓱𝓽 𝓟𝓪𝓽𝓻𝓸𝓵

The sun had barely risen over the towers of Hogwarts when I stepped out of my quarters, the cool morning air invigorating me as I made my way to the Great Hall. Today was the first Quidditch match of the season—Gryffindor versus Slytherin—and the excitement was palpable.

As I entered the Great Hall for breakfast, I could feel the buzz of anticipation. Students were already animatedly discussing the upcoming game, their house scarves adding vibrant splashes of red and green to the room. I took my usual seat at the staff table and poured myself a cup of tea.

"Good morning, (Y/N)" Professor McGonagall greeted as she passed by. Her stern face softened with a rare smile, her pride in the Gryffindor team evident. "Are you looking forward to the match?"

"Absolutely," I replied, returning her smile. "The students' enthusiasm is contagious up. I can't wait to see how they perform."

As I sipped my tea, I noticed Neville Longbottom at the Gryffindor table, nervously poking at his breakfast. His apprehension was evident, and I decided to speak with him after class.

The morning flew by, and soon it was time for my History of Magic class. The students filed in, their chatter about the Quidditch match gradually dying down as they took their seats. Neville sat towards the back, looking more anxious than usual.

"Good morning, class," I began with a warm smile. "Today, we'll be delving into the Giant Wars and their impact on wizarding society. Can anyone tell me what sparked the first major conflict?"

Hands shot up. We spent the next hour discussing the causes and effects of the wars, the students' engagement making the topic come alive. Despite the lively discussion, I noticed Neville struggling to concentrate, his eyes flickering to the clock every few minutes.

After the lesson ended, I called him over. "Neville, could you stay for a moment?"

He approached my desk hesitantly. "Yes, Professor?"

"Neville, I've noticed you seem a bit distracted today. Is everything alright?" I asked gently.

He hesitated, then sighed. "It's Potions, Professor. I have it next, and I'm always so scared I'll mess up and Professor Snape will be angry."

"I understand, Neville. Professor Snape can be quite intimidating, but remember, you're here to learn. Mistakes are part of that process," I said, trying to reassure him.

"But he's always so... harsh," Neville admitted, looking down.

"I know it feels that way, but try to focus on what you can learn. You're doing your best, and that's what matters. How about this—next time you're struggling, come to me, and we'll work through it together," I offered.

Neville looked up, a small spark of hope in his eyes. "Really, Professor? You'd help me with Potions?"

"Of course, Neville. Everyone needs a little help sometimes," I said with a reassuring smile. I can feel his strain, just like mine when it comes to potions. I wished someon would helped me back then.

"Thank you, Professor," he said, a bit more confident now.

"Anytime, Neville. And good luck in Potions today. Just remember, it's okay to make mistakes," I added.

He nodded and left the classroom, a little lighter on his feet.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur of lessons and preparations for the Quidditch match. By lunchtime, the anticipation was at its peak. Students and staff made their way to the Quidditch pitch, the stands filling with eager spectators.

I found a seat near the staff section, where Professor Flitwick and Madam Hooch were already engaged in a spirited conversation about the match. As I settled in, I noticed Severus Snape making his way up the stairs. Our eyes met briefly, and he gave me a curt nod before taking a seat right next to me.