Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(78) Potions

She fell asleep dreaming about her adventures as an Auror in the future, having Severus at her side and triumphs awaiting her.

As Sophie awoke, the strange sounds of students shuffling and murmuring outside her door piqued her curiosity. She felt a mix of excitement and trepidation as she prepared for her first day of Potions with the seventh-year students, who had been under Slughorn's guidance throughout their time at Hogwarts. Now, with Severus taking over as an assistant this year and becoming a full-time professor the next, the atmosphere in the classroom was bound to change.

She hastily dressed and tied her hair up in a messy bun, trying to suppress the nervous flutter in her stomach. As she stepped out of her dormitory, the energetic breeze of students in motion greeted her face, making her heart race with anticipation. Determined to blend in and not draw attention to her connection with Severus, she joined the crowd and followed the ever-changing halls of Hogwarts.

Finally arriving at the Potions room, Sophie realized most of the students were already present, and she had unknowingly entered during someone's introduction. To her surprise, the person introducing himself was none other than Severus—no, Snape. Her pupils widened, and she felt a surge of mixed emotions. It was strange to see him here, at this point in time, as the Potions master addressing the students. She quickly found a desk in the middle of the classroom, sitting alone, six rows back, hoping to stay out of the line of sight of both professors.

'I swear I charmed the curtains to open specifically at 7... strange...' Sophie thought as she pulled out her copy of the Potions book she'd been writing in for years.

"As I was saying before we were so rudely interrupted, I am Professor Snape, your adjunct Professor as of this year and will be the Potions Professor next year and thenceforth. In addition to the teachings of Professor Slughorn, I expect you to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion-making," he began, focusing his attention on Sophie, who already divulged herself in her Potions book, he took steps closer to her desk as he began once more, "As many of you already know from previous years of vigorous teachings, there will be no room for foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. Most of you don't understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes and carefully created concoctions with the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses," he paused again and stopped by Sophie's desk, making all the other students turn around and face him as he crossed his arms behind his back and stared down at her, "We can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, and even secure death's power —IF," he greatly emphasized, pointing his wand between the pages of Sophie's book, making her jump, "you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I have been informed."

Sophie's heart pounded in her chest as he walked away, leaving a message on the top page of her book. She dared to glance at it, and there, elegantly written in dark ink, were the words: "My "office, after class."

A mixture of emotions washed over her—gratitude, excitement, and curiosity. She stole a quick glance at Severus, who had resumed his lecture as if nothing had happened, and she couldn't help but wonder about the path that lay ahead of her as she embarked on this new chapter at Hogwarts, guided by her former professor, now her ally.

Sophie couldn't help but feel a warm blush spreading across her cheeks, making her skin glow with embarrassment as Severus singled her out as the first student in the presence of the formidable Potions professor. It was a strange sensation, realizing that Severus was now using phrases he would later use when teaching Harry and his peers in the future. The lines of time seemed to blur in this moment, connecting her past and her future in a mesmerizing yet surreal way.

Throughout the rest of the class, Sophie couldn't help but marvel at the way Severus and Slughorn observed her potion-making. It was as if they were both conducting an intricate dance around her table, each for their own reasons. Slughorn's attentiveness was a mark of respect and pride, while Severus's watchful eyes held a mix of want and necessity—his desire to be near her, the one he loved, now intertwining with his duties as her professor.