Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟏𝟏 - 𝓐 𝓖𝓲𝓯𝓽 𝓸𝓯 𝓚𝓷𝓸𝔀𝓵𝓮𝓭𝓰𝓮

With Snape's Potions book in hand, I spent countless nights poring over its pages, determined to master the subject that had once been my Achilles' heel. The book, despite its dirtied condition, was a treasure trove of knowledge. Each potion I attempted brought me closer to understanding the intricate art that Severus had so effortlessly mastered. My frustration turned to fascination as I discovered new techniques and methods that were far beyond the basics I had struggled with as a student.

As days turned into weeks, my progress became undeniable. The once-intimidating potions now simmered perfectly in my cauldrons, their effects precise and predictable. Yet, the book's condition weighed heavily on my mind. It was time to return it to Severus, but I couldn't bear to hand it back in such a state.

I recalled a conversation from our youth, a fleeting memory that resurfaced vividly. Severus had mentioned a rare potions book he had once owned and subsequently lost. He had spoken of it with such reverence that it had etched itself into my memory. Determined to make amends for the damaged book, I sought out the rare tome, hoping that Snape had not yet replaced it.

After a long search, I found it—a pristine copy of the very book he had cherished. With the new book carefully wrapped, I made my way to Severus's office, the old, dirty book tucked under my arm.

"Professor Snape?" I knocked gently on the door, feeling a mixture of anticipation and apprehension.

"Enter," came the familiar cold voice.

I stepped inside, finding Snape seated at his desk, his sharp eyes lifting from a parchment to meet mine. I approached, placing the worn book on his desk with a pang of guilt.

"I'm here to return your book," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm afraid it's not in the best condition."

Snape glanced at the book, his expression unreadable. "I see," he replied, his tone neutral. "It appears you've put it through its paces."

Before he could say more, I reached into my bag and produced the wrapped package. "I wanted to make up for it," I continued, placing the new book next to the old one. "I remember you talking about this book when we were students. I hope it's something you still value."

Snape's eyes flicked to the package, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his stoic facade. He unwrapped it carefully, revealing the pristine copy of the book he had once lost. For a moment, he simply stared at it, his expression betraying a hint of surprise.

"This is... unexpected," he said slowly, his voice betraying a rare moment of genuine emotion.

"I thought it might be a suitable replacement," I offered, feeling a swell of hope that this gesture might bridge the gap between us.

Snape's eyes met mine, and for the first time, I saw a glimmer of gratitude. "Thank you," he said, his tone still cool but unmistakably sincere. "This book held significant value to me."

I smiled, a sense of accomplishment warming my heart. "I'm glad you like it. It's the least I could do after the state I returned your book in."

Snape nodded, his demeanor softening just slightly. "You've improved in Potions," he remarked. "The effort you've put in is evident."

"Your book helped immensely," I admitted. "It was like having a master teach me."

His gaze shifted back to the soiled book. "Though I must say, the condition in which you've returned this book is... appalling. I doubt I will be lending you any more of my personal library."

I felt a flush of embarrassment. "I understand, Professor. I'm truly sorry. I did my best to clean it up."

He raised an eyebrow. "Perhaps if you had been as diligent with the book's care as you were with your studies, this situation might have been avoided."