Second Chance || Harry Potter x Reader

Cracks in the System |˚₊✩‧

3rd POV
。ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈·ﾟ。

The morning sun barely pierced the gray skies hanging over Hogwarts, and the energy in the castle felt heavy and tense. Every student moved with an air of anticipation, but it wasn't the kind that came from excitement. It was the kind that came from knowing that things were changing—and not for the better. The presence of Dolores Umbridge was felt in every corner of the school, from the classrooms to the hallways, and her latest decree had only tightened her grip further.

Harry trudged through the corridors, his thoughts swirling as he headed to his first class of the day—Potions. The last thing he wanted was another encounter with Umbridge, but word had spread quickly that today, she would be making her rounds, inspecting the professors and their teaching methods. Harry's stomach turned at the thought of Umbridge strutting into Snape's dungeon, clipboard in hand, that irritating smile plastered across her face. And today, she would be inspecting more than just Potions.

As he approached the dungeon, he spotted Anthony Goldstein walking ahead of him. The sight of him instantly made Harry's chest tighten with jealousy, something he was having a hard time shaking. Anthony and Y/N had always been close, their shared Ravenclaw traits making them fast friends. And though Harry knew Y/N wasn't interested in him romantically, that didn't stop the feeling from gnawing at him whenever he saw them together.

"Morning, Potter," Anthony greeted as he reached the dungeon entrance, his tone casual.

"Morning," Harry replied stiffly, trying to mask his discomfort.

Anthony disappeared into the classroom, and Harry quickly followed, taking his usual seat beside Ron. The dungeon was dimly lit, the smell of various potions ingredients hanging heavily in the air. As Snape stalked to the front of the classroom, his robes billowing behind him, Harry couldn't help but glance at the door, half-expecting Umbridge to barge in at any moment.

"Today, we will be brewing the Draught of Living Death," Snape's voice echoed through the room, cold and sharp. "I expect perfection."

Harry exchanged a look with Ron, who rolled his eyes. "Great, more chances for Snape to breathe down our necks."

The class began, and Harry tried to focus on his potion, but his thoughts kept drifting. He wondered how the rest of the day would play out, knowing that Umbridge would likely make her presence felt in more than just this class. His mind flickered back to Y/N, who was likely enduring her own morning of anticipation and dread. They didn't have Potions together, but they would both be in Divination later, and Harry found himself looking forward to seeing her.

Just as Harry thought he might make it through the class without incident, the door creaked open, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop. Umbridge walked in, her pink cardigan standing out against the dark, dank walls of the dungeon. Her eyes sparkled with a twisted sort of joy as she clutched her ever-present clipboard, ready to take notes.

Snape didn't even look up at first, his focus still on the cauldron in front of him. But Umbridge wasn't one to be ignored.

"Good morning, Professor Snape," she cooed, her tone syrupy sweet.

Snape's jaw tightened slightly, but his face remained impassive as he straightened and turned to face her. "Good morning," he said curtly, his voice clipped.

Umbridge moved closer, her eyes flicking over the students before settling back on Snape. "I understand that you applied first for the Defense Against the Dark Arts post. Is that correct?"

A brief flicker of something—annoyance, perhaps—crossed Snape's face, but he kept his expression neutral. "Yes," he replied, his voice low and measured.