Meeting Patronus | A Severus Snape Love Story

Chapter 20 "Earl Grey"

A trail of kisses peck up your neck. You moan in pleasure, smiling at the sensation. You blink your eyes slightly open. A familiar scent fills the room. You lay on your back, feeling Severus's broad chest push into you as he hovers on top. You arch your back, pulling him close to kiss you. Your lips intertwine passionately as you wrap your legs around him. He pins your arms above your head, flashing a mischievous grin. He trails kisses around your breasts and down your stomach. It feels euphoric, like you're riding the best high of your life.

Then, Ryan Sullivan looks up from between your thighs.

"He's gonna kill me."

You jolt awake in a panic, gasping in a cold sweat and panting heavily as you try to catch your breath. Your heart thuds against your chest like it's trying to escape. You kick the coffee table as you try get a hold of yourself, knocking over a heavy candlestick holder. It makes a loud thud on the rug beneath.

Severus walks out of his quarters, a bright light shining at the tip of his wand. He quickly lights the room with a flick. You struggle to calm and catch your breath. Your grip at your chest. You feel like your heart is exploding. Severus rushes to you.

"What's wrong?" He asks, brushing your hair back from your face.

Your body shakes violently, still frightened from the nightmare. You turn towards him and lean into him. He wraps his arms around you as you sob quietly into his chest.

"It's my fault. It's all my fault." You choke.

"What's your fault, [y/n]?"

"I should have known. I should have said something." You shake your head, tears falling down your face.

"[y/n], talk to me." He says, his face furrowed with concern.

"Ryan. He's dead because of me."

Severus pulls you away by the shoulders. "No. [y/n]. That's not true."

"I was the last person he talked to! I saw him, the night of the Yule ball." You choke through your sobs. "He was in crisis. He needed help. His father..." You look up to meet his gaze. "He showed me his chest, battered and bruised..." You grip onto Severus's arm. "He said... his father was going to kill him. And I did nothing. I couldn't even offer him a word of support. I just yelled at him, pushed him away—"

"[Y/N]. Listen to me." He lifts your chin. "You are the last person to blame for any of this." You sniffle, looking up at Severus with glossy eyes. "You know more than anyone that Ryan was a troubled boy."

"But he wasn't suicidal." You interject. "And he didn't attack... me."

"What?" Severus says, taken aback.

"He was drunk and on drugs. He was hallucinating. He thought I was his father. I was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"He told you that? And you believe him?" he says in disgust.

"I do now."

"[Y/N]! He almost killed you!"

"I know." You sob.

"I almost lost you!"

You look up at him, shocked silent.

He grips your shoulders. "This is not your fault. None of this. And no one in the Sullivan family can be trusted, no matter what sob story they give you. Do not give them an ounce of your kindness, [y/n]. They don't deserve it." He insists, almost pleading.

You drop your head in defeat, still consumed by guilt.

Severus pulls you in close to rest your head on his shoulder. It's around five in the morning. You stay resting on his shoulder for some time. His energy grounds you, like you can finally calm down and process. You look up at him, a weak smile at his presence.