Precarious (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter 8: It's None of Your Business

"Drink and let me see."

---

You had woken up entirely too early for potions today. You had tossed and turned for the last three hours of your sleep, and couldn't bear to lay there anymore. It was six thirty when you finally decided to abandon your efforts. Instead of rolling around like a slug for the next two hours, you made a pot of coffee and sat down on the sofa with Brew. Severus' book was still lying there from the days prior, and you picked it back up to further analyze the handwritten notes.

You still struggled to understand why so much of it was changed. Even simple things were marked out and replaced, such as crushing a sopophorus bean instead of slicing, and adding a counterclockwise stir after every seventh clockwise one. You thought that whoever annotated this must be extremely knowledgeable in potions.

When you finished your third cup of coffee, you were very awake, and ready to start the day.

Ready to see Severus.

You dressed in pants this time, just in case he wanted to hike outside for more ingredients. After donning your robes, brushing your teeth, putting your contacts in, and pulling your hair back, you felt you were ready to go. It was eight fifty when you walked out your door and headed for the classroom. It was probably a bit too early, because the walk to the classroom took you only thirty seconds, but after your entrance yesterday, you decided it was wise to be early.

You knocked gently, like you had before, and waited for him to acknowledge your presence. When you heard him speak, you let yourself into the classroom. The sight of him had taken you aback, because he looked disheveled and exhausted. His hair, although neat, was not smooth and parted. He had dark circles beneath his eyes, and his skin was paler than usual. He sat at his desk, holding a cup of coffee and writing eloquently on a parchment.

"Good morning, sir," you said quietly.

He did not respond, even with his eyes or a nod.

You sat behind your desk and debated conversation, but it was evident that he was not in the mood. You wondered if it had something to do with the strange moment of intimacy from yesterday. You had never felt a connection through Legilimency that was so strong. Being inside his mind in that way was all-consuming, and you assumed by his appearance today that he felt the same.

You patiently waited for him to stop writing. Your watch read eight fifty-eight, and you began to fiddle. Your knee started to bounce on its own accord, and he looked up at the noise. When he met your eyes it was like being in his head all over again. But he showed no emotion. Finally, after an agonizing ten minutes of watching and waiting, he returned his quill and spoke.

"You will be brewing veritaserum this morning. This is a sixth year potion. All of the ingredients and equipment are in this room. Use whatever you wish. I will assess your work when you are finished."

He seemed very disinterested today. His words were sharp but flat, and he immediately resumed his writing after he spoke the last word. For the next minute, you were stuck to the chair pondering his affect, when he spoke again.

"What are you doing? I gave you an assignment. Go on," he said hotly.

It brought you from your stupor. You stood up quickly and headed toward one of the tables.

"Yes, sir," you muttered.

You chose your station facing him, so you could continue to watch him while you brewed. This potion was notoriously challenging, and although you had brewed it before, it was never an easy task. Part of you felt that he was setting you up for failure. You made sure to check that the current moon phase was appropriate for brewing, then set up your equipment. You used an iron cauldron this time, with standard wood flames. Once the water was added, you had a moment to admire Severus while it came to a simmer.