Meeting Patronus | A Severus Snape Love Story

Chapter 18 "Patronus"

You wake up the next morning, the twins still snoring next to you. You slowly and quietly get up and walk over to the coat rack where you throw on your long black robes over your pajamas. You think about last night; Severus, singing on stage, Ryan Sullivan. Your mind swirls, trying to process it all. Then, you feel a soft whoosh of air at your side. You turn to look, and you see a bright white light conjuring in the shape of a doe. You blink hard a couple of times and rub the sleep from your eyes. It stares at you, majestically, then glides through your front door, enticing you to follow. You glance back at the twins, still snoring and sprawled out on the floor. You quietly unlock the door and open it. You scurry out of the dorms past the common room and catch a glimpse of the creature turn the corner down the hall. You know where it's headed, where it wants you to go. You also know who sent it; it's pretty obvious. But do you even want to see him right now? What happened to 'this was a mistake'? Is he summoning you to disappoint you some more?

Besides, you're also kind of angry at him for leaving the ball without so much as a parting nod or glance and you're still a bit shaken and frazzled by the whole interaction with Ryan. You decide you'll go, if only to give him a piece of your mind. You hate it when he's hot and cold like this. Unpredictable. You've had enough of that from men in your life, you don't need it from him too. You approach the door to Snape's office as you see the doe disappear through it. You rest your hand on the doorknob just for a brief second, then you push through unannounced. He's probably expecting you anyways. The door flings open harder than you anticipated, but you stand your ground.

He snaps up from his book at the sound of the door. He sees you enter and watches your face as it burns red with vexation.

"You've summoned me, Professor?" you say, a twinge of annoyance in your voice.

"Yes, please sit. I made tea." He responds, emotionless.

You scoff, intent on being angry. You don't feel like letting this go and you want to give him a hard time. He deserves it. "I thought we were not to get involved like this anymore." You cross your arms.

Severus almost smiles at your display. You're so cute when you're angry, especially when it's an act. He looks down, trying to cover his admiration. "It's a professional meeting. You're only here as my student." He says, flatly.

Scoffing again, you reluctantly slump down in a chair across from him, arms still folded. You glare at him. He really pisses you off sometimes.

"Final grades are out. As head of Slytherin house, I have your report card for this term." He says, dramatically and serious.

Your face drops and eyes widen. Suddenly your mouth feels dry and you clench your fists nervously. You sigh, pinching the bridge of your nose. "Is it that bad?" you brace yourself.

He furrows his brow, painting a disappointed look on his face. "You're definitely going to need help..."

You wince.

"Celebrating after this." He smiles, handing you your report card. You look up in astonishment. You snatch the card from him. All "O"s for Outstanding except for one "A" in Defense against the Dark Arts. You stand and light up with joy, playfully hitting Severus's arm. "Merlin, you made it seem like it was bad!" Your angry act dissipates.

"Don't be too excited, [l/n]. That Dark Arts grade is questionable." He says narrowing his eyes with a grin on his lips.

You roll your eyes. "It's not like I hate the subject, but Quirrell... I just can't." You shake your head. "Maybe if it were you... I'd learn a lot more..." You can't help but smirk. Weren't you just mad at him a second ago?

A soft chuckle escapes Snape's lips. You always know just what to say to make him feel good. "Perhaps... extra lessons are in order." He replies.

You feel your heart beat fast in your chest, blood rushing to your cheeks. You straighten, trying to become mad again like you were 5 minutes ago. You stand from the chair, smoothing out your robes and clearing your throat. "Well, if there's nothing further, I shall be going, Professor." You say, putting emphasis on the last word and revert back to a professional voice. You turn and walk towards the door.