The Assistant || Severus Snape x Reader ||

Chapter 46: The Decision

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A/N: I didn't expect to update today so...SURPRISE. I want everyone to know that there's only a couple more chapters after this BUT I have some announcements coming up so stay tuned!

"It's a risk you simply cannot take," 

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Severus shot up from his desk, his eyes wide and his voice desperate.

"What did they say?" He asked Dumbledore.

"All I know is that they've come to a decision," Dumbledore explained; "They're ready to reconvene with you and [Y/N] in the morning."

Severus grumbled. If they had taken this long keeping everyone in suspense, then he didn't understand why they couldn't take another hour or so to meet now.

"I want to see her." Severus demanded, rounding the edge of his desk to meet Albus.

"That's not wise, Severus. You must wait until the morning." Dumbledore remarked.

"If they've decided to terminate my employment here..." Severus said, not even able to finish that thought; "I need to see her."

Dumbledore shook his head.

"It's a risk you simply cannot take," Albus argued; "Things have a way of always working out. Don't fret."

Severus knew he was right. With his luck, he'd get caught sneaking about to find you. He didn't want to blow his chances. He felt like he was going to be sick. His entire future was on the line and there wasn't much he could do.

"Try to get some rest. Be ready early in the morning," Dumbledore advised; "I'll let [Y/N] know you're thinking of her."

Severus nodded, prompting Albus to exit the office, leaving Snape alone with his thoughts once more.

The next morning came surprisingly quick, despite the fact that Severus didn't get an ounce of sleep. The man was wired, and he needed some resolution to this whole endeavor before he completely gave out. He made a bit more of an effort than he had in the last few weeks, taking the time to shave off the beginnings of his beard and actually making his hair look decent. He couldn't stop the shaking in his hands, or the pounding of his heart.

Everything came down to this precise moment.

Severus feared the worst, which would be him losing his job and you getting expelled, strictly ordered and enforced to never be with one another ever again. It was hard to swallow, and impossible to accept.

Severus attempted to keep a confident posture as he made his way to where the meeting was being held. He knew he might have to fight for you, but he just hoped that The Ministry had come to their senses. With Lucius Malfoy around, though, Severus was afraid that might be a short lived dream.

He heard small chatter from inside the room once he arrived, wasting no time making his entrance. The people present were narrowed down to 7 (including himself).

Cornelius Fudge, Lucius Malfoy, Arthur Weasley, Remus Lupin, Albus Dumbledore, and you.

Severus' heart leapt from it's rightful place when he saw you sitting at the table, looking just as tired as he undoubtedly was. Your head arose and your eyes brightened when you saw the Potions master standing before you, for this was the first time you had really seen one another outside of class. Your gazes locked together, and nothing seemed to be able to tear the two of you apart. Severus didn't want to look away, just in case this was it.

Cornelius Fudge was watching with struck curiosity, almost in awe.

"Severus. Have a seat." Lucius started off strongly and rather happily, referring to the empty seat across from you.