Hope For The Hopeless (Severus Snape x Reader)

Lockhart's Christmas Party

You blew out a shaky breath, box in hand and headed in the direction of Severus' quarters, your heels clicking along the uneven stone floors of the dungeons. You were just going to give him the gift and then go to this poorly timed party. In fact, you couldn't quite believe that Albus was allowing it to take place after the debacle of Friday night. Another petrified student and Nearly Headless Nick to boot, you didn't even know it was possible to petrify a ghost. As a result, you spent your weekend flitting between the Ravenclaw dorms, - (poor Filius felt completely out of his depth comforting crying girls) and the infirmary. So of course, Severus' sudden kiss had gone ignored and he had jumped at the opportunity to miss the party. So you were going with a no push approach, to leave him with whatever he needed to deal with, not wanting another disappointing miss start.

You waited stiffly for him to open the door. When he did, you saw his eyelids widen and his pupils dilate; when you picked out the dress that was the reaction you hoped for but now it didn't feel like it mattered. You still loved the dress and you were wearing it because it made you feel confident, that was all. Who are you kidding? It wouldn't normally be your first choice but you took a risk; long-sleeved cut an inch above the knee and tight. The black choker around your neck held a small ruby, which matched the jewelled studs in your ears. Pushing the box forward, he switched his gaze from you to the gift in front of him.

"It's for you. A Christmas present. I realised this would be the last opportunity to give it you before you went home." You kept your voice even, holding back the sadness brought on by him leaving for two weeks.

Severus looked over your shoulder, "I can't accept this."

You frowned, he always had to be awkward.

"Why not?" The question came out more annoyed than you were aiming for but actually you were quite annoyed. It's a gift, just take it.

"Rather, unfortunately, I don't often take much notice of Christmas and therefore I've never had to...had to buy a gift." He paused, looking embarrassed. "I don't have anything for you."

"Oh, I...I wasn't expecting anything in return." Your reassurance didn't make him look any less upset.

Severus tapped his finger on the box.
"You know I'm not going home now don't you?

"No?" You asked, shocked. The prospect of him still being here made you nervous but you were relieved he wouldn't be spending Christmas alone, at least.

He let a heavy breath and his eyes fell tiredly to the floor, "No chance after the other night."

"I'm sorry," you mustered, not really knowing what else to say.

"Don't be, I'll still head back for a day or two probably, it's really not that important." You nodded, an awkward silence falling between the two of you.

"Thank you for the gift."

"You're welcome. I should get going to the party, I'm already late." You turned carefully, you hadn't worn heels in a long time, the only reason you could wear them tonight was because of Severus, the thought made you want to turn around, ask him to come with you but you needed him to tell you what he wanted. If he wanted anything at all.

"Y/n," Severus' voice seemed to struggle with your name on his tongue. You looked over your shoulder, you were hopeful for a moment.

"Have a good night," he said, knocking the hope out of you.

----------------------

He watched you walk away, the dress clinging to your curves like it was made for your body, you were breathtaking but instead of saying that, he just stood there like a fool. Looking at the gift in his hand, he felt doubly a fool.