Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟑𝟐 - 𝓗𝓪𝓾𝓷𝓽𝓲𝓷𝓰 𝓟𝓻𝓮𝓼𝓮𝓷𝓽

The Great Hall was filled with the familiar hum of students chattering excitedly as they took their seats at the long tables. The enchanted ceiling above mirrored the twilight sky outside, with stars beginning to twinkle against the deepening blue. The start-of-term buzz was palpable, but an undercurrent of tension threaded through the room, a shadow of the unease that had settled over Hogwarts.

I sat beside Severus at the staff table, my eyes scanning the sea of young faces. Despite the usual excitement of a new school year, my thoughts were clouded by Dumbledore's warnings about Dolores Umbridge. Severus seemed similarly preoccupied, his dark eyes narrowed as he observed the students with his customary sternness.

The murmurs in the hall quieted as Dumbledore rose to his feet, his presence commanding immediate attention. He spread his arms wide in his usual welcoming gesture, his eyes twinkling behind his half-moon spectacles.

"Welcome, everyone, to a new year at Hogwarts," Dumbledore began, his voice warm and reassuring. "I have a few announcements to make before we begin our feast. First, I am delighted to introduce our new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dolores Umbridge."

A wave of whispers swept through the students as all eyes turned towards a figure seated at the staff table. Dolores Umbridge stood up, clad in a garishly pink outfit that seemed out of place amidst the more subdued robes of the other professors. Her smile was tight and saccharine, and she gave a little cough before speaking.

"Thank you, Headmaster," she said in a high, girlish voice that grated on my nerves. "It is wonderful to be here at Hogwarts. I look forward to getting to know each and every one of you and ensuring that we have a productive and orderly year."

Severus and I exchanged a glance, both of us clearly perturbed. His lips were pressed into a thin line of irritation, and I could feel the same unease tightening in my chest. The sugary tone of Umbridge's voice and her overly bright attire felt like a veneer hiding something much darker.

As Umbridge continued speaking, her speech devolved into a series of platitudes about tradition, discipline, and loyalty to the Ministry. I glanced around the Great Hall and saw that many of the students looked confused, some even exchanging worried glances. The warmth that usually accompanied Dumbledore's opening words had been replaced with a chill of apprehension.

Severus leaned closer to me, his voice a low murmur. "This is precisely what we feared. She's here to enforce Fudge's agenda."

I nodded, my discomfort deepening. "Her presence is already unsettling the students. This is going to be a difficult year."

Umbridge finally took her seat, her smile unwavering but her eyes glinting with a steely determination. Dumbledore, unflustered, resumed his place at the podium, his demeanor as calm as ever.

"Thank you, Professor Umbridge," he said smoothly. "Now, let us enjoy the feast."

With a wave of his hand, the tables filled with an array of delicious foods, and the students began to serve themselves. The usual chatter resumed, though it was laced with an undercurrent of uncertainty. I picked at my food, my mind racing with thoughts of what lay ahead.

Severus and I exchanged another glance, this one filled with mutual understanding. We both knew that the presence of Dolores Umbridge signaled a turbulent year ahead. The challenges we would face were not just academic, but deeply political and personal. As I turned my attention back to the students, I resolved to stay vigilant and support them through whatever trials Umbridge's tenure would bring.

The usual clattering of plates and silverware filled the Great Hall, mingling with the steady hum of conversation. The rich aroma of roasted meats and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, but the meal felt more like a backdrop to the unspoken tension between Severus and me. We both ate quietly at first, the food providing a convenient distraction as we gathered our thoughts.