𓍼ֶָ֢⊹ ࣪˖ Severus Snape ִֶָ. ..ִֶָ࣪་༘࿐

How wonderful... Potions class, your favorite... Of course not, obviously that's sarcasm. Snape's presence makes you nervous; you can't stand being judged, much less by someone with such a severe demeanor. It's not that you can't handle constructive criticism; but it all depends on the tone and, above all, how it's delivered. That's precisely why you didn't like those classes much. The constant humiliation was an uncomfortable pressure, especially when it was public in front of other students. It was suffocating, putting you on edge throughout the class. You had your little group of friends, a "normal" life, as you saw it. They became a safe haven amidst the chaos of nerves that haunted you every day, so you sat next to one of them. Logically, you were going to strike up a conversation or two; they were teenagers, having a quiet chat wasn't a huge offense. But you know, for Snape, any distraction deserves a "just" punishment. One day in class, while preparing the assigned potion, you were whispering to your friend, "It's clear I have strong tastes ," you said, smiling amusedly. "The older ones are always the best ." Severus happened to be passing by your cauldron at that moment, watching your potion's progress. Hearing you, he paused for a few seconds, looking up at you with an expression that clearly judged you without reservation, an expression that transparently conveyed, "What the hell did you just say... "A wave of embarrassment washed over you as you noticed his presence and his reaction to your words.