Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

-30-

A week goes by. Still 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 seems to be working. "And remember! Nothing's more rewarding, than the bright smile on your faces." Umbridge's annoying voice echoes around the castle thru the megaphones. "Merlin, I'm going to rip of my ears off soon..!" I mutter to myself while walking with Minerva back to the classes from lunch. We are all really on 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.

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 has, 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. "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. That is yet has to be seen. As me and Minerva are talking, I see Lockhart passing by other end of the corridor. Our eyes meets right away and he smiles. Quickly, I turn my head away, acting like I didn't see him. I have tried to keep my distance towards him after he had suggested... Whatever he suggested. When it 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. I've just put on more clothes to cover everything, 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)." can hear Snape's voice as he's using the Legilimens on me. My mouth quavers as I'm trying tell him that I'm trying. 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 somekind of mistake, Headmaster! My daughter..-", "The Hat never makes mistakes. It can not be undone. I'm sorry, Mrs. and Mr. (Y/L)." Dumbledore tries to explain to my parents. "Surely there is something you can do as the Headmaster?" my father tries to reason. I'm standing corner of Headmaster's Office, trying to look as small and unnoticeable as I can. "There is nothing wrong in 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. Hard to say if he is lying or telling the truth. Either way, my parents aren't pleased.

Everything gets blurry. All I can hear is how my father is screaming to my mother, accusing her for cheating him. 'How else the girl got sorted in there?!' The next image comes; It's winter. I can see from a window how our house elf, Dongy is shoveling snow. His whole body is shivering because how cold it is. Struggling what to do since I have been forbidden to interact with the elf alone. But I can'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. "Dongy!" little me rush up to him after putting a scarf loosely around my neck. The elf looks surprised:"M-Master (Y/L), you should be inside. It's cold out here. Your paren..-", "Here! I wanted to give you these." I smile and hand him mittens. The elf's eyes widens as he watches the grey mittens I just handed. Thinking he might not like the color of them. They are after all pretty dull. Tears raise on his eyes. "What's wrong?" I wonder. "...Dongy is free." the elf finally lets out. Won't take long before my parents heard the news. "You did... WHAT?!" a voice yells. The image starts shaking a little as my father goes for the wand on the desk where the alcohol is.