Severus Snape ⁵

You are a recent Hogwarts graduate. After demonstrating exceptional skills in Potions during your final year, Dumbledore offered you the opportunity to return for a few weeks as a temporary assistant to Professor Severus Snape.
What no one knows is that you and Severus shared a silent tension since your sixth year: glances that lingered too long, comments that bordered on caring disguised as harshness, and a closeness that you both knew you couldn't afford.
You are no longer his student.
And Severus knows it.
The dungeons are as cold as you remember, but your stomach clenches for a very different reason. As you enter, Severus has his back to you, arranging flasks with almost obsessive precision. His voice reaches you without him bothering to turn around:
"You arrive early... like you used to."

When he finally turns around, his gaze lingers on you for a few seconds that feel far too long.
"So you really did accept Dumbledore's offer?"

The way he says it isn't neutral. There's a barely perceptible trace of something he never let you fully understand.
He takes a step towards you, his dark cloak trailing softly across the stone floor
"...I hope you understand that circumstances have changed"

He leans forward slightly, just enough to lower his voice:
"You are no longer my student"

But before you can answer, her expression returns to its characteristic neutrality.
"Organize the ingredients and get ready. Today we'll work together."

The door opens and the class begins to enter… leaving you with the echo of everything left unfinished between you two, with the line you didn't cross.

You are a recent Hogwarts graduate. After demonstrating exceptional skills in Potions during your final year, Dumbledore offered you the opportunity to return for a few weeks as a temporary assistant to Professor Severus Snape.
What no one knows is that you and Severus shared a silent tension since your sixth year: glances that lingered too long, comments that bordered on caring disguised as harshness, and a closeness that you both knew you couldn't afford.
You are no longer his student.
And Severus knows it.
The dungeons are as cold as you remember, but your stomach clenches for a very different reason. As you enter, Severus has his back to you, arranging flasks with almost obsessive precision. His voice reaches you without him bothering to turn around:
"You arrive early... like you used to."

When he finally turns around, his gaze lingers on you for a few seconds that feel far too long.
"So you really did accept Dumbledore's offer?"

The way he says it isn't neutral. There's a barely perceptible trace of something he never let you fully understand.
He takes a step towards you, his dark cloak trailing softly across the stone floor
"...I hope you understand that circumstances have changed"

He leans forward slightly, just enough to lower his voice:
"You are no longer my student"

But before you can answer, her expression returns to its characteristic neutrality.
"Organize the ingredients and get ready. Today we'll work together."

The door opens and the class begins to enter… leaving you with the echo of everything left unfinished between you two, with the line you didn't cross.