Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

-30-

A week goes by, and we still have no clue about Headmaster. Minerva and I have been speculating that the Ministry is doing this on purpose. Because how Dumbledore kept delaying their meeting for this long, they want to make sure people in the castle has to wait for his return. Don't know how they are doing it, but it seems to be working. "And remember! Nothing's more rewarding, than the bright smiles on your faces." Umbridge's annoying voice echoes around the castle through the megaphones. "Merlin, I'm going to rip my ears off soon..!" I mutter to myself while walking with Minerva back to the classes from lunch. If it's still unclear, we are all really on the edge with our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.

"Can't wait when Albus comes back. The first thing to go are those annoying funnels." Minerva sighs. "Then her." I joke, even we all know it's not possible - at least not yet. "Let us just keep our heads high." my friend tries to encourage. I haven't told her - or anyone, anything about what has happen between me and the two other professors. There has been couple of times I almost have, but somehow... I feel like I'd be bothering them if I will speak up. I don't want anyone getting in trouble because of me. Ever again. 'Deep down, you know it was after all your fault he got fired from Hogwarts.' "Think we should go celebrate the end of the semester somewhere when the time comes." Minerva suggested. "Sounds great!" I smile. We still don't know what the future holds on my part when the summer comes. That is yet to be seen.

As Minerva and I are talking, I noticed Lockhart passing by other end of the corridor. Our eyes meet right away and he flashes a smile, but I quickly turn my head away and act like I didn't just see him. Minerva has no clue as she continues on speaking something about Quidditch related, and I try to pretend to be listening. I have tried to keep my distance towards him after he had suggested... Whatever he suggested. What comes to my clothing, I have tried to dress up more like... Not myself, I guess? Not that my original style would be revealing or anything that sort. I've just put on more clothes to cover everything up, so I won't come across as provoking. Like Umbridge said.

There are memories flashing by from my childhood. One after another. "Concentrate, (Y/L)." I can hear Snape's voice as he's using the Legilimens on me. My mouth quavers as I try tell him that I'm trying. I can see how eleven year old me is sitting on the Great Hall in the Sorting Ceremony - feeling so hyped as the Sorting Hat gets put on my head. "Hufflepuff!" the Hat shouts proudly, having no doubts what so ever where I belong. Big smile raises up on my face and the students cheers loudly. The memory changes quickly after that in... Not so happy one. "No! There must be some kind of mistake, Headmaster! My daughter..-", "The Hat never makes mistakes. It can not be undone. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Mrs. and Mr. (Y/L)." Dumbledore tries to explain to my parents.

"Surely there is something you can do as the school's Headmaster?" my father tries to reason. I'm standing in the corner of Headmaster's Office, trying to look as small and unnoticeable as I can. "There is nothing wrong to be a Hufflepuff. Kind and honest. Brave and true, right to the other till the very end. Exceptionally hard-working... Infinitely fair-minded - and most importantly; a fierce, fierce friend. To be quite honest, I wish I would have been sorted in the House." Dumbledore says, and shifts his eyes on me, but the fear gets the best of me, so I look down to my shoes. It's hard to say if he is lying or telling the truth. Either way, my parents aren't pleased of the outcome.

Everything soon gets blurry. All I can hear is how my father is screaming to my mother, accusing her for cheating on him. 'How else the girl got sorted in there?! No in hell with my bloodline!' The next image comes in; It's winter. I can see from a window how our house elf, Dongy is shoveling snow. His whole thin body is shivering because how cold it is in the breezy weather. It breaks my heart seeing him like this. And for a while, I struggled what to do, since I have been forbidden to interact with the elf alone. But, I couldn't stand watching him suffer like that. My parents are not home either, so I could ask them to help him. So, I thought the best thing to do is get him at least something to keep him warm.