The Assistant || Severus Snape x Reader ||

Chapter 10: Unexcused

__

"You were late again." 

__

October brought beautifully cool and crisp mornings. 

Halloween was a week away, and the energy around Hogwarts was high and unmatched. Dumbledore had announced that Hogwarts would be hosting a Halloween reception of sorts this year. Along with the delicious amounts of food and fun decorations, there would be a holiday dance with it.

It was set to be less formal than the winter Yule Ball, and a bit experimental to see if it would become an annual event. Regardless, it was creating a bit of a stir around the school.

This was the second time this week that you were running late to Advanced Potions. Quidditch practice had run late the night before, causing you to oversleep and put yourself ten minutes behind schedule. Realizing you were late, you hurriedly got dressed and packed your bag, stumbling through the corridors to get to the staircase that led down into the dungeons.

Just as you made it to the top of the stairs, a familiar voice called your name.

"[L/N!]" The voice said.

Despite the fact that you were already late and that Severus was not going to be pleased with your late arrival, you were far too polite to ignore the person trying to get your attention. You paused on the top stair, turning to see none other than Professor Remus Lupin.

He had seemingly appeared from nowhere, and he was smiling as kindly as he usually did. Lupin was teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year, and he was proving to be very popular with the students.

"Hi, Professor." You greeted.

He returned an even brighter smile as he caught up with you.

"Wonderful to see you as always. I was hoping to have a quick word with you. If you've got the time?" He requested.

You really didn't have the time, but you couldn't bring yourself to say no. It was a legit excuse, so you could spare a few extra minutes.

"Of course. What's up?" You questioned.

"I'm assigning an essay to my Defense classes, and it's my understanding that you wrote a very powerful essay a few years back on dark charms?" He asked.

You nodded. You had a different professor back then, but you had written an exceptional essay that gained lots of attention in the wizarding world.

"I did. What about it?" You pressed on.

"I was wondering if you still had the essay? I'd like to use it as an example for my third year Defense Against the Dark Arts students." He explained.

You beamed at the sound of that. Having a well-respected professor use your work as a positive example? That totally called for some bragging rights.

"Sure thing. I think I still have a copy of it in my dorm." You told him.

"Excellent. If you don't mind, bring it to my office before tomorrow. I'd like to have it as soon as possible." He instructed.

"Sure. I'll get it to you this afternoon." You confirmed.

After a few more moments of small talk, you were able to politely withdraw from the conversation and continue your rush to the Potions classroom. You made a mental reminder to get a copy for Lupin.