[] It Started With Coffee [] Severus Snape x Reader []

Ch20|♡Exceeding Expectations

A/N : This chapter might include a lot of plot holes. I'm sorry. And also, none of this potion making is canon.

- × - × - × - × - × - × - × -

"Your 30 minutes is up." Snape announced, leaving his desk to collect your paper.

"Jeez! That was the hardest test of my life!"

"It better not be, or else you'd fail instantly in your N.E.W.T.s." He replied, skimming through your answers. "You, might I dare say, have improved from the start of the year."

You gave a small victory smile.

"However.." He continued. "You definitely still need some work."

This time, you let out a small groan.

"We've been doing this for the whole year!" You protested. "It's not going to work, Professor."

"Yes, it will. Trust me." He reassured. "Because this time, I've got a plan."

"Oh yeah? What type of plan?"

"You'll see." He sent you a wink as he started heading to the kitchenette.

"Aren't we practicing potions, Professor?"

"We are. You'll see."

-----

You joined him in his kitchenette as he poured himself a cup of coffee.

"Start."

"I'm sorry?"

"Make yourself coffee." Snape simply stated.

"Alright..?" You questioned, grabbing yourself a mug as you started mixing and brewing.

By the time you were finished, Snape had completely downed his own drink, nodding in amusement.

"Now try it again. But this time, you'll be brewing the Hiccoughing Solution." He said, setting aside his mug as he led you next to the cauldron.

"But- But I'm going to mess up again-"

"You won't. Look at the label."

You picked up the glass vial in front of you that contained powdered unicorn horns labeled 'cinnamon'. You picked up the vial of snake eyes to find it labeled 'sugar'.

"Professor..? What is all this..?"

"Make coffee."

"But there's no coffee-"

"Exactly." He reassured. "I've realised your weakness in potions is not because you're genuinely an idiot, but because you always mess up the portions."

You stared blankly, trying to process what he had just said, but no seeming to understand most of what he said.

"And..?" You questioned.

"And I've realised you seem to be better at coffee proportions, understanding when it will taste a certain way and when it will not."

"..okay?" You waited for him to go on. Truthfully, you didn't understand what coffee had to do with all this.

"Merlin, you're really an idiot." He mumbled, placing a hand over his forehead.

"Dunderhead." You snickered.

"What?"

"You're the only professor who says that. Glad to know I'm an idiot in your eyes and different from the rest." You shrugged with a smile etched on your face.

He felt his heart give a little thump.

"Well, yes. You're different." He muttered. "How often do you see me tutoring and having coffee with my students?"

You gave a laugh as you started picking up the ingredients. "What now?"

"Right." He said, fixing his posture and placing his hands behind his back. "Do it like you're making coffee. The proportions should be the same."

You had nothing to say at that, therefore proceeding to brew the potion.

A decent while had passed, and the potion had to be set aside before it was fully completed.

"I'll let you know how you did tomorrow. For now, you may leave if you want." Snape explained, promising to keep an eye on your potion.

"Would you mind if I stayed?" You asked.

"Of course not." He replied simply. "You know I enjoy your company."

"Guess I've become your favourite, hm?"

"Says who?" He scoffed a laugh. "You're hardly even on my top 10."

"Says me." You retorted back. "And top 10? Well, who would those be?"

"Well there's-" He stopped in tracks. "Well, er.."

You couldn't help but stiffle a laugh, but feeling surprised as well. You were aware your bond with Professor Snape was probably the closest, but seeing your grades, you were honestly joking about being his favourite.

"Shut up." He cursed lightly, rolling his eyes at your failed attempt at concealing the laugh. "There are, I swear. I just can't think of them at the top of my mind."

"Mhm, sure sure." You shrugged, teasing him a bit too far.

"5 points from Hufflepuff." He yelled, squeezing his eyes shut as his face turned a hint of pink.

"You're kidding." You deadpanned. "Just because of a joke?!"

"Yes! Now shut up before I make you leave!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Oh, believe me, I would."

"Do it." You challenged.

"..well, that's not fair." He muttered.

You couldn't help but laugh. Eventually, your professor turned to look at you and shot you a warm smile.

"Your curfew is almost up anyways, I don't wish to carry you back."

"Shut uppp!" This time you groaned, earning a laugh from the dungeon bat.

"Now we're even."

"I suppose we are." You shrugged. "I'll be on my way then. Goodnight, Professor."

"Goodnight, (Y/n)." He bid you a small nod, seeing you out as he closed the door, turning his attention back to the potion.

He gave a surprised stare as his lips tugged upwards. Oh, so happy for you.

You had done it.

The liquid in the cauldron seemed more special than usual to Snape, finally symbolizing your success.

- × - × - × - × - × - × - × -