Precarious (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter 23: You're Kind of a Hard-Ass

"Wait, what day is it?"

-

After you had made love across Severus' desk, you worked for a while further preparing for students' arrival. He explained the ins and outs of the functioning of Hogwarts from a teacher's perspective, from prefect nominations to house points to schedules. It was much the same as you had recalled from years past, with a few nuances of being in an authoritative position. It excited you to have some form of control over the way Hogwarts would operate because it felt like you were contributing to something bigger. You were growing extremely passionate about the school, and were becoming aware of just how easy it would be to work here for the rest of your career, though you weren't sure if that was strictly because of your love for Hogwarts or because of Severus' presence. Either way, you prayed that Albus would allow the two of you to split classes after you graduated.

The remaining afternoon hours were spent reading on your couch, curled up in Severus' lap with Brew's tail tickling at your feet. You enjoyed a light lunch of soup and salad together, and before you knew it, dinnertime was nearing.

"The students should be arriving in about an hour," Severus said, interrupting your narrative stupor.

"Do you think we should go to the Great Hall?"

The spine of Severus' book crackled lightly as he closed the cover and placed it on your sitting room table.

"Probably. Although I'd much rather stay here holding you," he almost whispered, drawing you into his arms and squeezing you gently.

You released a sigh. "Me too. But I'd rather not be late on the first day."

He chuckled. "That's the Ravenclaw in you."

You suddenly remembered that Severus was the Head of Slytherin house, and a little spark of anxiety shot through your chest. You had never been Head of House at Ilvermorny, and the additional responsibility made you fearful of failure.

"I don't know how I'm going to help you with Head of House duties. Slytherins are so sly and prone to trouble," you said, reminiscing on your own school days.

"Keep in mind who you're speaking to," he replied with a false sharpness. "I wouldn't make you take House responsibilities, anyway. You're only here for potions."

"I'd love to learn either way," you replied, your incessant need for knowledge striking down the anxiety. You placed a warm kiss to the slight stubble of his cheek and clambered less than gracefully from his lap. He steadied you with a firm hand on your waist. 

"So needy," he spoke. "Eager to learn. Oh, the things I could teach you."

He kissed you deeply, clasping your head between his hands.

"I'd let you teach me anything," you whispered.

He slowly dissolved the kiss into tiny pecks along your forehead, cheeks, jaw, and nose, eliciting a giggle from your throat.

"Come, my love," he said, lips full and pink, and held his hand out toward you.

He allowed you to hold his hand until the light of the upper corridor shone blinding light from the setting sun against your skin. You were affronted by multiple staff members bustling through the hall, taking care of last minute tasks before the train arrived.

"Evening, professors," Pomona called, eyeing the two of you kindly but with suspicion.

Severus nodded. "Good evening."

You repeated the sentiment and took several quick steps to catch up to him.

"Did you see how she looked at us?" you whispered. He glanced down for a moment.