Precarious (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter 32: The Baby

"What is it? What's wrong?"

-

You walked hand in hand with Severus to the Great Hall. Several quick glances were thrown your way by faculty and students alike at the familiar touch, but it seemed that everyone was becoming accustomed to your small displays of closeness. Severus pulled your chair from beneath the table and guided you to sit before taking a seat himself at your side. You took notice of a few more stares in your direction, and, suddenly becoming more self-conscious, you pulled your robes around your midsection and crossed your arms across your chest. He tipped his gaze toward you, apprehending your motion, but didn't say a word. He knew what you were thinking, and slid his hand across your knee, gently squeezing it, a hint of a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. You blinked rapidly, your skin tingling beneath his hand, and, sensing your acuity, withdrew it quickly.

Do not, you thought sternly, directing your words straight to him.

Half of a smile broke loose across his face, reaching his eyes.

I wouldn't dare, he replied, and you nearly snorted, recalling the numerous occasions in which you were forced to suppress your urges because of him.

You glanced toward him, your eyes playing about his figure, admiring his lean structures and broad shoulders. He looked particularly appealing today, although he wore nothing else than his usual attire. However, black suited him so well that it made your mouth water, and a small noise formed at the back of your throat. His eyes flicked to you once again, a piercing but malleable look flashing in them, and placed his hand once more on your knee. Your eyes widened, swallowing thickly, and a deep breath filled your lungs. As quickly as his touch appeared, it was retracted as Professor Hooch moved into your peripheral vision.

"How are the two of you today?" she asked gruffly.

You sputtered for a moment before muttering a quick, "doing well."

Severus was much more composed and you let him take the conversation. Shifting in your seat slightly, you directed your attention to your plate, amiably picking about your eggs while staying attuned to their discussion. It seemed that Rolanda interrupted your mingling by asking the most ridiculous of requests; she simply wanted a waterproof polishing solution for her broomsticks to prevent rot. You grumbled silently, now touch-deprived and irritated. Why must she present the most arbitrary questions at the most inopportune moments? Maybe it was the hormones, but you wanted her out of sight in an instant. This was a bit of the only time you could spend together during the day that you didn't have to pretend to not be endlessly in love, and Hooch was encroaching upon it. You cleared your throat.

"Severus?" you asked, deliberately redirecting his attention.

He immediately looked to you, concern written on his face.

"Yes?" he responded.

"Would you mind walking me back to our- my quarters? I'm not feeling well," you said as convincingly as possible, glancing at Professor Hooch.

His brows knitted with worry.

Just trust me, you thought, and realization dawned upon him.

"I do apologize, Rolanda, but I must accompany Professor (Y/N) to her quarters," he said smoothly. "Please excuse me."

Trying your best to appear ill, you rose from your seat and swayed a bit upon standing, creating a slight scowl upon your face in distaste. Rolanda nodded her head, and you sensed an aura of annoyance about her, but began your descent of the stairs as Severus followed closely behind. He didn't speak until you had reached an empty corridor.