Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

-9-

Monday came around pretty quickly. There has been so much to do I haven't got the time to even eat lunch! Can't really help but wonder, what should I do if Lucius Malfoy was the one who poisoned my drink? Was it really meant for me? Or perhaps for someone else and they failed? Only Merlin would know. I'm still bothered by Hagrid's story how he lost his beloved hippogriff. Wish I could help him somehow. "Good work everyone! I'll see you on Wednesday." I end the class with the fifth years. The classroom gets filled with chatter as they all got up and starts leaving the room. I glance down to my desk. Now, I wonder where I left the..- "Excuse me, Professor?" Mr. Potter approaches me. "Yes, Mister Potter?" I fold my hands neatly in front of me, ready to hear what he has in mind.

He looks a bit awkward, like he doesn't know where to start:"..I, um...", "Yes?" I ask again. "I was wondering, the book I had on Friday. May I have it back?" he ask. The Half Blood Prince? "I'm afraid I can't do that." I reveal. Potter looks slightly shocked by this. Guess he had this image I'd always be this cheerful and kind teacher who would never say 'no'. I do feel quite bad for denying the book from him. But then again, the spells it has in it refers to Dark Magic that should not be taught for a teenager. "My apologies, Mr. Potter. The book does indicates things that a young student shouldn't be possessing." I try my best keep the professional tone. For a quick moment, Potter glances me up and down. Then, he starts backing up, clear disappointment on his face, but he forces a smile:"It's alright, Professor. Thought I'd ask.". Then he leaves the room, two of his friends waiting on him right at the entry. I know immediately they must've start talking about what I just said. Part of me wants to run after him and hand him the book, but I know it wouldn't be right. It's for your own good.

When I finally got the time, I went to the library. The smell of old books is something I missed without even realizing, even I'm not a huge fan of reading. Huge windows on each side of the room, sunlight coming in, the only sound you can hear is the flying books... Perfect place for someone who wants to get away from all the hassle in the castle. There are some students reading and doing their homework in peace. While I on the other hand keep going from shelf to another to see if there are any books about hippogriffs. Maybe I could find some tips how to lure them? Bet they're not easy to catch... The thought of Hagrid's huge smile and tears of joy after he would find his long lost friend outside of his hut makes me smile. After looking for the right book far too long with no success, I become desperate. I really wanna surprise Hagrid. Wish I would know someone who masters these kinds of thing. Hmm... Then it hit me. Gilderoy Lockhart! All of the books he has written about how he has captured all kinds of creatures. He must know something! Without a further a do, I rushed out of the library.

After climbing up some stairs and turning around few corners, I reach the right corridor. Then quietly, I approach the History of Magic classroom the closer I got. The door is wide open, and I can hear familiar voice echoing all over the hallway. Lockhart is just telling the first years - yet again, his stories and how brave he was back then. I lean against the wall right outside of the classroom and wait the lesson to be over soon. The first years are eating it all up, eyes all sparkling. Girls gushing and boys admiring. One of the students raise their hand:"Professor?". "Ah, yes?" Lockhart smiles proudly. "Is it true you were teaching the Defence Against the Dark Arts at first?" a young boy ask. "Why yes, yes I did in fact." Professor answered. "How come you aren't anymore?" he asked. All of the students starts chattering and whispering to each other. This is actually something I wanna know the answer to.

Lockhart's smile slowly drops, like he doesn't know what to say. Soon, all of the little first years starts chanting to show them some cool magic. And just like that, his ego raises back up again and he smiles all wide:"Well, if you insist.". Curious, I peek behind the doorway. Lockhart takes his wand out and starts swing it. Perhaps his plan was to do a little impressive fire show, but instead he casts a spell that creates a fireball which is about to hit the students in the back road. The students gasps when they see the fireball coming right at them. Oh, shit..! Faster than the wind, I come forward and draw my wand:"Protego!". The fireball disappears and the force of the shield makes my hair float for a quick second. "Woaahh..!!" the whole class gasp surprised and impressed. Good thing no one got hurt.