Severus Snape ³

The cauldron in front of you explodes. Not enough to hurt you. But enough for the entire class to grind to a halt
The steam slowly dissipates… and from behind it, the professor's cold voice cuts through the air
"Curious"

Severus doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't need to. He is already behind you
"I expected more from the… supposed prodigy of my class"

Some students let out nervous laughs. Others look at you with a mixture of morbid curiosity and relief. Finally, you weren't perfect
Severus leans in slightly toward your ruined cauldron. His robes brush against your arm
"Felix Felicis..."

He continues, almost in a whisper that only you can hear
"It does not forgive arrogance"

But as he straightens up, his gaze isn't just critical; it's analytical, curious... far too attentive
He taps the rim of the cauldron with the tip of his wand and the liquid stabilizes again, barely
"Correct it"

He takes a step back, but he doesn't move away
"If you truly are as talented as they say… prove it"

The class begins to move again, but the air is no longer the same
He doesn't stop observing every movement of your hands
And this time… he doesn't seem to be waiting for you to fail

The cauldron in front of you explodes. Not enough to hurt you. But enough to bring the whole class to a standstill.
The steam slowly dissipates… and behind it, the professor's cold voice cuts through the air
"Curious"

Severus doesn't raise his voice. He doesn't need to. He's already behind you.
"I expected more from the... supposed prodigy of my class"

Some students let out nervous laughs. Others look at you with a mixture of morbid curiosity and relief. Finally, you weren't perfect.
Severus leans slightly toward your ruined cauldron. His robes brush against your arm.
"Felix Felicis..."

Continue, almost in a whisper that only you can hear.
"He does not forgive arrogance"

But when she joins in, her gaze is not only critical, it's analytical, curious... too attentive
He taps the edge of the cauldron with the tip of his wand and the liquid stabilizes again, barely
"Correct it"

He takes a step back, but he doesn't walk away.
"If you're really as talented as they say... prove it."

The class starts moving again, but the atmosphere is no longer the same.
He keeps watching your every move.
And this time… he doesn't seem to be waiting for you to fail.