Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟒𝟗 - 𝓟𝓮𝓻𝓼𝓸𝓷𝓪𝓵 𝓜𝓪𝓽𝓽𝓮𝓻𝓼

The fire crackled softly in the hearth, its warm glow casting flickering shadows across the room. Severus and I sitting the sofa. Tonight, the atmosphere was different—softer, almost intimate. The tension that had marked our last meeting had eased, though I could still feel the weight of unspoken truths lingering between us.

This was the second time I had come to his chambers, yet the mood tonight felt far removed from the charged conversation we'd shared before. I had promised myself not to bring up Draco, no matter how much his situation gnawed at the corners of my mind. Tonight was not the night for burdens or battles—it was a fragile truce, a moment to simply exist without the weight of the world pressing down on us.

Severus sat beside me, his posture more relaxed than usual.

I couldn't help but reflect on the passage of time. "It's remarkable how quickly the years pass. The students seem to grow up so fast. It feels like just yesterday they were first-years."

Severus's gaze remained steady as he considered my observation. "Time does indeed move swiftly. It is a constant reminder of how transient everything is."

"I'm glad to be here," I continued, my tone earnest. "Being a professor at Hogwarts has become a significant part of my life. I can't imagine being anywhere else. I'd miss it if I had to leave."

Severus's expression was thoughtful, his voice measured. "Your absence would be noted. Your presence contributes to the balance of this place, and it would be felt if you were no longer here."

I met his gaze, appreciating his words.

Severus set his cup down and looked at me, a serious expression settling on his face. "The students should have a better school experience than I did," he said quietly.

"I tried to be there for you when we were younger," I said, my voice soft. "But I was much younger myself, and you were... well, not exactly the friendliest person."

Severus's eyes met mine, and he acknowledged the truth in my words. "I am aware," he replied, his tone tinged with regret. "I was not always the easiest person to be around."

I added, "You were quite the enigma back then. Even now, I'm still trying to figure you out."

Severus reached out, his fingers brushing gently mine. It was a tender gesture, one that seemed to convey a depth of emotion that words couldn't quite capture. He paused, his hand lingering as if waiting to gauge my reaction.

I tried to lighten the mood with some humor. "You know," I said with a teasing smile, "I would have much preferred going to the ball with you instead of Noel Corell. He only wanted to get close to my laundry that night."

Severus's lips twitched into a rare smile, a fleeting glimpse of amusement. "Who can blame him?" he replied. "You were beautiful." He looked at me with a soft gaze and gently tucked a stray hair behind my ear. "And you're even more stunning today."

I couldn't help but smile at his compliment. "You would have had much more decorum," I said playfully.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "I'm not so sure. In the end, I was just a teenager too. And we both know how boys can be."

I couldn't help but laugh at Severus's response.

"I do enjoy being kissed," I said with a playful grin, "but I'd prefer not to be slobbered over like a dog. Like Corell did."

Severus smirked slightly. "Too bad. Not everyone knows how to kiss properly."

I raised an eyebrow. "Oh, and you do?" I teased.

He looked at me, his gaze lingering on my lips. There was a softness in his eyes, but despite the obvious tension and unspoken desire, he did not move to kiss me. Instead, he maintained his steady gaze, waiting, as if giving me the choice to close the distance between us.