Precarious (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter 10: Possibly Caffeinated

"What do you mean, 'hang out'?"

---

Severus was different today. You initially thought he would be distant because of your mingling the day before, but he was surprisingly conversational and polite. You were exceedingly grateful that he had decided to stop being a prick, because he would have wreaked havoc on both your personal and academic lives.

He still had you brewing potions back to back, but much to your relief, he allowed breaks when necessary, and you actually had time to eat lunch. You planned on returning to your quarters and summoning a house elf in order to relax and spend some much-needed time with Brew. You started toward the door of the classroom ahead of him when he interrupted you.

"Where are you headed?" he asked.

"Back to my quarters. I thought I'd relax there for a bit and have lunch," you replied casually.

He pondered for a moment.

"Would you like to join me in the Great Hall?"

Your lips immediately pulled into a smile. Not only was he now spending time attending to you during lessons, he was asking for more of your company. You found it impossible to decline.

"I'd love to," you responded softly.

He smiled in return and held the door open for you to pass through, walking together up the stairs from the dungeons. You both laughed when you were temporarily blinded by the beams of sunlight erupting from the towering panes of the windows in the corridor.

You gently teased Severus, stating, "This must be why you're so fair. You spend all of your time trapped underground!"

He gave you a knowing smile. "Now you know what you've to look forward to."

When you arrived at the Great Hall, you were surprised to see Minerva dining at the High Table. You had honestly completely forgotten about her amidst the turmoil of your tangled emotions, and you suddenly felt terrible. You hadn't seen her in over a week. Severus guided you toward the table, and, noting your hesitance, gently placed a hand against your mid-back and pressed you forward. Pleasure and excitement coursed through you very briefly at the contact, but it was quickly erased when Minerva's attention fell on you.

"(Y/N)! I haven't seen you in ages! How are you, dear?" she asked as Severus pulled out a chair next to her, gesturing for you to sit.

"I'm well, thank you. How are you?" you replied, curious if you had hurt her feelings by neglecting her.

"Just fine, darling. Has Severus been treating you well?" Minnie's voice dropped almost indistinguishably with her last several words.

You found yourself flushing at the comment, even though you were sure she didn't mean it the way you interpreted it.

"He's been...pleasant. Very helpful." And confusing. And extremely difficult. But incredibly enjoyable.

Severus leaned back in his chair, obstructing himself from Minerva's view, grinning slightly. You knew he had read your thoughts, but, truthfully, you didn't care.

"I'm glad. He's keeping you busy enough, it seems. I haven't seen you explore the castle even once!" she exclaimed, recalling your wandering tendencies as a schoolgirl.

"Oh, yes, I hardly have time for anything but potions," you said, a blatant lie. Your yearning thoughts consumed more time than anything else.

That wasn't my intention, at least when I found out I was getting a student, you heard inside your mind, listening to Severus' silent thoughts. You rolled your eyes.