The Art of Taking Chances || Severus Snape x Reader ||

Chapter 4: Tolerance

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A/N: So, just a reminder that not everything in this story is completely canon with the HP series. I'm pretty sure my math and years check out for this chapter lol. 

"I presume you're not together anymore?" 

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"I just don't know what to do, Professor McGonagall. I've been nothing but nice to him!" You sighed in an exasperated manner.

"Oh, please, call me Minerva. I'm not your professor anymore, you know." She smiled, taking the kettle of boiling water off of the stove in the professors' lounge.

McGonagall had been one of your favorites back during your time at Hogwarts. While Transfiguration wasn't exactly your best subject, she had always made the class entertaining and interesting for you. She had been extremely welcoming over the course of your first week, offering you with her assistance as needed. It was early on Sunday afternoon, the second week of school about to begin in less than 24 hours. Hogwarts was quiet for the most part, considering that Sunday was everyone's easy day off.

You were no different, allowing yourself to sit down with Minerva to chat and enjoy some warm beverages.

"What is it that he's doing that has you so frustrated?" Minerva questioned, pouring the hot water evenly into two cups.

"Just about everything he does frustrates me. The things he says and the things he does," You explained, rubbing your temples with your index and middle fingers; "He's just so critical about everything I do."

Minerva gave a gentle laugh, preparing your tea first and then her own.

"Critical is an accurate way to sum him up. He's a rather...tough." She replied, approaching you with your piping cup of tea.

You gratefully accepted it from her, brushing off the shudder than the immediate warmth to your hands brought to you. You made a face at her statement.

"Tough? Snape is downright brutal. He doesn't approve of anything that I do or say." You remarked, taking the first lovely sip of your tea.

Minerva's interest was sparked at your words. You caught it on her face, but didn't have a chance to ask about why the sudden change in her expression.

"Why is it that you seek his approval so much?" Minerva questioned curiously.

You paused mid-sip, almost burning your lips that were pursed around the rim of the cup before you brought it down into your lap. You were taken aback by her query, considering that you didn't want his approval...right?

"I don't seek it," You corrected yourself; "If we're going to work together, I'd like to have his respect. He respects you, doesn't he?"

Minerva nodded.

"Of course he does, but we've worked together for quite some time," Minerva pointed out; "And Severus and I don't have a history like the two of you do."

McGonagall had taught both you and Snape during your time at Hogwarts (as well as James, Sirius, Remus, Peter, and Lily). She knew that you were tightly knit with The Marauders, but that you always were friendly with Snape. Snape had been a troubled kid, and she always had a liking towards you and Lily for trying to be his friend.

"I feel like 'history' is a strong word. It's not like we ever dated or anything." You responded, staring down at your lap.

Minerva's lips upturned into a bit of a smirk, her eyes having a certain glisten to them.

"I never said anything about a romantic history." She attested, concealing her grin with her own cup.

You froze, feeling like you had confessed to something unintentionally.