Concealed Affections | Severus X Reader|

1.

There she was, on the Hogwarts Express once again, but this time as a professor. The rhythmic clatter of the train on the tracks seemed oddly comforting, yet the anticipation of her new role filled her with a jittery energy. As the landscape outside blurred into a green and brown tapestry, she rested her head against the window sill, gazing out at the darkening sky. Her reflection in the glass was a ghostly echo of her youthful self, now transformed into an image of a professional, poised yet anxious. She could see the flickering lights of the castle in the distance, growing larger as they neared their destination.
-----
Now, seated in the Great Hall among the other professors, Y/N tried to steady her nerves. The Hall, resplendent with floating candles and enchanted ceiling reflecting the starry night, was bustling with students settling into their places. The long tables, laden with the anticipation of the feast, were filled with chattering students, their voices a blend of excitement and curiosity. She could hear the murmurs about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher-her.

At the staff table, she was seated between Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, their esteemed company both reassuring and intimidating. Her gaze drifted across the room, absorbing the grandeur and history of Hogwarts. As Dumbledore rose to address the students, the room gradually quieted, the buzz of conversation fading into an expectant hush.

"Welcome!" Dumbledore began, his voice resonating with the warmth of a familiar and cherished presence. "Welcome to another year at Hogwarts."

He paused, allowing his words to settle over the crowd. His eyes twinkled as he scanned the sea of eager faces, each one reflecting the flickering light of the enchanted candles. "Before we begin the feast, I have a few words to share."

His gaze then shifted to Y/N, and she felt a flutter of nerves as he continued. "We have a new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year. Please join me in welcoming Ms. L/N."

The hall erupted into applause and cheers. Y/N could feel her face flush with a mix of relief and gratitude. The enthusiastic reception was a balm to her nerves, making the daunting prospect of her new role seem a bit less intimidating.

Just as she was beginning to relax into the ambiance of the Great Hall, Dumbledore's voice cut through the din with a commanding "SILENCE!" The room fell instantly quiet, the abrupt transition from chaos to stillness almost palpable.

"Now, let the feast begin," Dumbledore announced with a wave of his hand, and the tables magically filled with a dazzling array of foods-roasted meats, crispy vegetables, buttery rolls, and an abundance of desserts. The aroma was tantalizing, mingling with the sounds of cutlery and murmured conversations as students and professors alike began to enjoy the meal.

Despite the festive atmosphere, Y/N couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. Her senses seemed heightened, every glance and movement around her amplified in her awareness. Seated between Professor Dumbledore, whose presence was reassuringly calm, and Professor McGonagall, who was politely engaging in conversation, Y/N's attention was repeatedly drawn to the left, where Severus Snape sat.

When she glanced over, their eyes briefly met. Snape's gaze was penetrating, his dark eyes revealing nothing of his thoughts. But the moment their eyes locked, he quickly averted his gaze, focusing intently on his plate. Y/N was puzzled. It had been years since they last spoke, and his sudden attention-however fleeting-was unexpected and left her with an unsettling feeling.

As the meal drew to a close, Dumbledore stood and addressed the hall one final time. "It is time for bed," he declared. The students began to rise, their chatter growing as they made their way out of the Great Hall.

Y/N stood, preparing to leave, when Dumbledore's voice called out to her. "I'd like a word with you in my office, Ms. L/N." He gestured for her to follow, his expression kind but his tone carrying the authority of his position.

"Of course, sir," Y/N replied, her nerves returning as she followed him through the grand hallways of Hogwarts. The corridors were now quiet, the usual noise replaced by the echo of their footsteps on the cold stone floors. They reached the door to Dumbledore's office, a large oak door adorned with a brass knocker shaped like a griffin.

As Dumbledore began to speak, a knock interrupted him.

"Come in," he called out, his voice maintaining its calm and inviting tone.

The door opened to reveal Professor Snape. His entrance was almost imperceptible, but the subtle shift in the air was unmistakable. His eyes met Y/N's briefly, a fleeting moment of recognition before he looked away and addressed Dumbledore. "You wanted to see me, Professor?"

"Ah, yes, Professor Snape," Dumbledore said cheerfully, the warmth of his tone contrasting with Snape's reserved demeanor. "I was just informing Professor L/N about her accommodations."

"Will you show Ms. L/N to her dormitory, please?" Dumbledore requested, his gaze shifting between Snape and Y/N with an encouraging smile.

Severus Snape glanced at Y/N, his expression unreadable, then back at Dumbledore. After a brief pause, he said, "I will, sir."

"Very well, you two may go," Dumbledore said with a nod, signaling the end of their brief meeting.

Y/N and Snape left the office together. As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of Hogwarts, the silence between Y/N and Severus was palpable. The castle, though familiar to Y/N, felt different now, laden with a sense of responsibility and the weight of expectations.

Severus led the way, his robes trailing behind him with each measured step. Y/N, trying to ease the tension, ventured a polite, "Thank you for showing me the way, Professor Snape."

Snape's face remained impassive, but there was a slight, almost imperceptible nod of acknowledgment. "It's my duty," he replied curtly. The corners of his mouth twitched, as if fighting to stay in their usual stern position.

The corridor seemed to stretch on longer than Y/N remembered, with flickering torches casting long shadows on the stone walls. The occasional gust of wind, coming through the old windows, made the hallway feel colder and more foreboding. Y/N found herself trying to gauge Snape's mood, but his expression was a carefully maintained mask.

Finally, they reached a portrait of a stern-looking woman in a dark green gown. Snape muttered the password-"Eldritch"-and the portrait swung open, revealing a cozy, well-appointed room that Y/N hadn't expected. The dormitory was small but comfortable, with a warm fire crackling in the hearth and a bed neatly made with deep green linens.

"This will be your quarters," Snape said, gesturing around. "If you need anything, speak to the house-elf, who will make sure you are well taken care of."

Y/N took in the room, appreciating the warmth and the soft glow of the fire. "It's lovely. Thank you, Professor."

Snape's eyes softened for a fraction of a second before he turned to leave. "Good night, Professor L/N."

As Snape walked out, Y/N could feel the weight of the day settling in. The brief exchange with Snape, though cryptic, was a stark reminder of the complex web of relationships at Hogwarts. She wondered what had caused the brief moment of awkwardness between them and whether it would affect their future interactions.

She closed the door behind Snape and took a deep breath, allowing herself a moment to relax. The flickering firelight cast a warm, soothing glow around the room, and she felt a small surge of excitement for the year ahead. Despite the uncertainties and the lingering echoes of past relationships, she was ready to embrace her role and make her mark on Hogwarts.

As she settled into the armchair by the fire, Y/N allowed her thoughts to wander once more, her mind racing with the possibilities of the year to come and the challenges she would face. It was, she realized, the beginning of a new chapter, and she was determined to make it a memorable one.

---
By for now