𝑭𝑳𝑶𝑾𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝑰𝑵 𝑯𝑬𝑹 𝑯𝑨𝑰𝑹 - Severus Snape

SEVENTEEN

17|BIRTHDAY PT 1

Willow pulled her knees closer to her chest, back leaning against the rough bark of the large tree. Her eyes were fixated on the pages of her fictional story. She read about a princess falling in love with the villain of the story, a romance so dangerous the hero threatened to come between them.

Two feet stopped in front of her, a humoured smile on his lips as she gasped lightly to herself, too deep in the pages to notice him. He threw a small box on her book, startling the girl as she cursed and glanced up.

"Severus?" Her green eyes widened, shocked to see the boy after the last time they were together.

"Happy birthday, Wills." Severus gave her a genuine smile, gesturing the the box that was still on her book.

Willow greedily opened the small paper box, shocked to see the pendant she had been looking at the last time they were at Hogsmeade. She lifted it up, gently stroking her thumb over the small silver rose.

"I hope you like it." He said gingerly, nervous she would not like the small gift. Severus had seen her eyes light up when she saw it in the shop window. Although it was not expensive, he had borrowed money from Lily just to make her happy.

"I love it." Willow looked up at him, smiling widely as she placed the chain around her neck and hooked it together. "Thank you so much, Sev."

"I wish I could give you more." Severus crouched down beside her, leaning back against the tree as she shuffled into his side. "It's not everyone day you turn eighteen. You're so old."

"You're older than me." She chuckled, nudging him playfully as her book fell off her lap. "This is my favourite gift."

"I'm happy." The pair stared out at the quiet lake, admiring the sun bouncing off the water.

"My brother and Lily are throwing me a party in the Grythindor common room later tonight." Willow informed him, turning her head to watch him. "You should come. It will be fun. And I want you there."

"Do you really want me there after the last time your brother saw us together?" He raised a brow at her, remembering the honest truth James Potter had told him.

"He has to be on his best behaviour or else he doesn't get the summer house this year." She shrugged it off, happy he was considering her invite.

"I'll see you there." He nodded his head towards the energetic red head bouncing over to the pair. "But until then, I think your friends want to be with you on your birthday. You'll have to find a harder hiding spot next time."

"Shit." Willow cursed as Lily grinned at the pair, a knowing look in her eyes. "Can I at least finish my chapter?"

"Nope. You're mine." Lily laughed before waving at Severus who slowly left the pair. "See you later tonight, Sev."

"Fine, let's do this."

Willow sat between Remus and Sirius, downing another cup of mysterious liquid while trying to ignore Lily drunkenly talk about how amazing James is in bed. Her head was fuzzy, vision blurred as she stumbled to her feet, trying to fill up her cup some more.

She smiled at the Hufflepuff boy beside the table of drinks, not wanting to make small talk as she did not trust her words. Grabbing a random bottle, Willow poured the strange brown liquid into her glass.

"Happy birthday." The boy spoke to her, a strange look in his eyes as they traveled over her revealing outfit. "I can see now why all the Grythindor boys share you."

"Excuse me?" She looked up at him puzzled, trying to go over his words in her mind to see if she had heard him correctly.

"Have you ever thought about trying out some Hufflepuff?" He smirked at her grabbing her hand and pulling her closer. "I have a few friends who would love a try."

"Get the fuck off me, wanker." Willow tugged her hand out of his, stumbling back and hitting a wall. He cornered her, placing his hands on her waist.

"Don't be such a tease." His hands moved back, grabbing her ass and giving it a squeeze as she struggled against him.

"Stop." Her palms pressed against his chest, trying to push him away as she looked around for someone to help her.

A strong hand grabbed his shoulder, throwing backwards before stepping between them.

"What's your problem, mate?" The Hufflepuff boy straightened his back, trying to make himself taller but it was useless against her saviour.

"What's your fucking problem?" A familiar voice spat back, hands tightening into fists as he spoke. "She clearly asked you to fuck off."

"Shit, man." He laughed obnoxiously. "I didn't realise she was testing out Slytherin cock first. Pass her along once you're down."

"He's not worth it." Willow reached forwards and grabbed Severus's hand, trying to stop him from attacking the boy.

"Aw, the little slut really has you wrapped around her finger." The boy said snarkly, a smug look on his face.

Severus gently released her hand, stepping forwards and throwing his fist into the boys nose. A satisfying crack was heard as the boy fell backwards, his screams of pain alerting other party goers.

"Shit." Willow grabbed his hand once more, pulling him away from the bleeding boy and out the common room.

"Are you okay?" Severus stopped her, cupping her cheek and wiping away the tears that fell down her cheeks.

Her words got lost in her throat, lips quivering as her eyes met his. Her sobs echoed down the corridor as she fell into his open arms, basking in the warmth his touch brought.