Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟒𝟕 - 𝓢𝓾𝓶𝓶𝓮𝓻 𝓢𝓱𝓲𝓯𝓽

"Careful there!" I say with a light laugh as a first-year student crashes into me, nearly toppling over in her rush.

The young girl immediately apologizes, her face flushing a deep red. "I'm so sorry, ma'am!" she stammers, her voice trembling with the anxiety that comes with being new to Hogwarts.

"It's quite alright," I assure her with a warm smile, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Just take it easy and enjoy your first days here. No need to rush."

She nods quickly, still looking a bit flustered, and hurries off toward the Great Hall. I watch her go, reminded of my own early days at Hogwarts when everything felt so large and intimidating.

As I continue down the corridor, I'm suddenly greeted by a familiar face. Professor Horace Slughorn, the newly appointed Potions Master, approaches me with a jovial air. He looks at me quizzically for a moment before recognition lights up his eyes.

"Why, if it isn't you!" he exclaims, my name rolling off his tongue with that familiar hint of nostalgia. His eyes twinkle as he takes a step back, as if to better observe me. "My word, you've grown! I remember when you were just a young student, eager and full of potential."

He beams at me with fatherly pride, his round face glowing with enthusiasm. "It's such a pleasure to be working alongside you now. How time flies! You've certainly made a name for yourself." He pats my shoulder affectionately before adding with a playful wink, "And if you ever find yourself in need of a refresher in Potions, my dear, you know where to find me. I'd be more than happy to give you some extra lessons!"

I chuckle at his offer, feeling a mix of fondness and mild embarrassment. "Thank you, Professor Slughorn. I might just take you up on that one day," I reply, humoring him.

Slughorn's laughter is rich and hearty as he claps his hands together. "Splendid, splendid! We'll make a Potions Master out of you yet." With that, he gives me another warm smile before continuing on his way, his robes billowing behind him as he heads off to his next class.

I can't help but smile as I watch him go, his larger-than-life personality bringing a touch of lightness to the start of this new school year.

I spot Severus standing quietly in the shadows, his arms folded across his chest. His dark eyes are fixed on me, watching with that familiar intensity I've come to recognize. For a moment, we just stand there, separated by the bustling students hurrying to their classes, yet somehow completely alone in our own world.

I offer him a small, tentative smile, unsure of how he'll respond. To my relief, he gives me a slight nod in return, a gesture so subtle it might have gone unnoticed by anyone else. But I see it, and I understand it. In that brief exchange, we acknowledge each other without the need for words. There's a silent understanding between us, a connection that's grown stronger despite—or perhaps because of—everything we've been through.

But as the hallway begins to fill with students, chattering and laughing as they make their way to the Great Hall, reality creeps back in. The quiet moment between us fades, and the challenges of our separate roles at Hogwarts reassert themselves.

With a final glance, I turn away, heading toward the Great Hall. But even as I walk away, I can feel Severus's presence lingering in my mind.

The Great Hall is a sight to behold, adorned with floating candles and banners representing each house. The warm glow from the enchanted ceiling casts a comforting light over the students as they chatter excitedly, reunited after the summer break.

I make my way to the staff table, I notice that the seat next to Severus is already occupied, so I settle down beside Minerva. She greets me with a warm smile, and we exchange a few pleasantries as we watch the students gather below. The smell of the feast soon fills the air, rich and tantalizing. When the food appears, it's a feast as magnificent as ever, with steaming platters of roast meats, bowls of fresh vegetables, and endless desserts. I can't help but feel a sense of comfort as I fill my plate, the familiar routine helping to ground me after the tension of recent days.