Heathen (Severus Snape x Reader)

13 - Caring for the Professor

I woke up to the sound of my owl squawking. I rubbed my eyes before realizing I wasn't in my usual bed, nor was I in my dorm. I quickly sat up and searched the room, releasing a breath when I remembered I had slept in the professors chambers.

Lucky me.

I noticed a note on the side table when I went to stand up. Picking it up, I skimmed over it.

Miss Conway,

I hope you will have the decency in you to head to your dorm once you awaken. Freshen up and come to the potions room to finish your project.

Regards,
Professor Snape

I huffed dramatically, remembering I wasn't going to get out of this. I ran my hand through my hair, looking down at my clothing. I still had on my black sweater and black skirt from the night before, but my robes were no where to be seen.

"Hmm...odd."

I began walking towards what I assumed to be the exit, as it was the only white door opposed to the other black doors in the chambers. Once I had left the room, I realized his private room was only a few feet down the hall from the potions class. Interesting. I'd keep that in mind.

—TS—

I returned to the classroom, knocking on the door before I opened it and stepped inside. I noticed Severus sitting at his desk with his head down, his face covered by his arms. He didn't say anything when I entered, he didn't even budge. I looked around and saw a tray of what I imagined to be breakfast sitting on the desk I occupied yesterday. I smiled, realizing he had probably gotten that for me. I forgot I hadn't eaten since lunch yesterday. I was starving. I assumed he was just thinking, so I sat down and began stuffing my face while he wasn't looking.

Once I had finished eating, I took it to mind that he still hadn't moved. Is he dead? I raised my eyebrow and just stared at him for a minute. What am I supposed to do if he's dead? I gently stood from the desk, dumping the scraps from my breakfast into the classroom trash can and placing the tray onto the counter. I quietly walked over to his desk and tapped lightly on his shoulder. When I didn't get a reply I started to worry.

"Um... Professor?"

No reply.

"Snape?"

Again, nothing.

"Severus." I began to lightly shake him, this time he jolted his head up from his arms. "Oh, Miss Conway. My apologies. I'm a bit drained this morning."

I looked at him with concern evident on my face. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. Did you eat your breakfast?" I nodded softly and smiled at him. "Yes, thank you. It was delicious." He fixed his hair and sat up straight, fixing the papers he had messed up by falling asleep. "Very well. I have cancelled my first class, so you have the time to work. However I was not inclined to cancel the rest. So I suggest you move your cauldron to the back of the room, so you aren't in the way."

I nodded and picked up my cauldron from yesterday. I gently carried it to the back table and set it down, turning back to the tired man that stood in front of me. "Sir? Are you sure you're alright? Maybe you should rest." He shook his head and began grading assignments. "I'm just fine. I didn't get enough sleep last night, that's all." I frowned and looked at the floor. I couldn't help but worry if it was my fault.

"It was not due to your company." He blurted out quickly, I knew he had read my mind. It made me considerably uncomfortable seeing as yesterday when that happened he saw a horrific memory, which caused me to then have a nightmare. I assumed he noticed the fear on my face as he stood up and began walking over to me.