Where Your Loyalties Lie - {Severus Snape x Reader}

-54-

Weeks go by. The leafs on the trees has changed their colors and fell down almost like a blink of an eye. There has been so much to do and worry about lately, I haven't been able to pay much of attention to what has been happening around me. All of the classes, students, exams, learning new things regarding the apprenticeship, trying to still remain some kind social life with other people... It's a lot! As soon as I read the news there has been the massive escape from Azkaban, I went straight to Dumbledore. He convinced me everything will be alright and I got nothing to worry about - especially if I stay in Hogwarts and its groundings. Obviously, that is not the way of living, so I have visited Hogsmeade and other places time to time - with some company, of course. Even I try to convince myself I am safe and I got nothing to worry about, I can't shake off this feeling back of my head that my parents are somewhere out there... Possibly looking for me.

It's a cold, snowy day. Minerva and I with all fourth years to above are all gathered here in the Great Hall for dance practice for up coming Yule Ball that is in two weeks. All of the long tables and benches has been removed out of the way, so there are room to move around. "Come on now, Mister Weasley! We have been practicing this dance many times before." Professor McGonagall huffs as she tries to teach how to dance a simple waltz the proper way. There are students spread around the room, trying to get their steps right with their partners. I - on the other hand, am sitting in the corner, watching and smiling this all happening. Minerva has asked me to come and help her with the students. Guess she thought I connect with the young teenagers the best, it would be only natural for me to be here and jump right in when needed.

I love seeing how these boys and girls are trying their best. Even the ones that acts like they don't care. Neville is the one I'm most proud of. He was the first of these boys who stood up when we had the first class couple weeks back. He seems to be doing fine now. And it all seems to be thanks to Miss Luna Lovegood. Happy to see them together like that, even they haven't start dating officially - yet. "Oh, Professor (Y/L)!" Minerva suddenly calls. "Yes?" I ask. "Please continue from here, I'll go check what's wrong with the record player." she says as she's already walking towards it. I'm no near of an expert when it comes to dancing, but I can manage the primary ones. I got up and walk towards the center:"Alright then... Who needs help?". "I do." one of the students raise their hand before anyone else and walks up to me. Mr. McLaggen. Of course...

When it comes to the Love potion incident, Mr. McLaggen convinced Professor McGonagall that he has nothing to do with the candies. 'Must be someone trying to pull a prank, so they can frame me and ruin my reputation!' the student had said. None of us knew what to do, so in the end, we decided to drop it and move on with our lives. The music starts playing again and I began to dance with the student among the others. To be honest, Mr. McLaggen really doesn't need help. He's a natural dancer, so I don't understand why he feels the need to dance with me. Guess he has been used to do everything perfectly because of his rich parents who are part of the Ministry, I heard. All of sudden, the student holds onto my hand and spins me around. It got me off guard, but in positive way. But then, as soon as he pulls me back in - little bit too close for my liking, he presses part of his nose against side of my head and does a light inhale. What the..-? Did... Did he just smell my hair? I pull away and slower our movement to stop dancing. "You seem to be doing just fine, Mr. McLaggen. You should be proud." I give a polite nod and step away from the student. "Thank you, Professor." he smiles and goes back to his partner. That was odd.

Days go by and it's finally the day of The Yule Ball! You can only imagine how hyped all of the students are - especially the girls. All of their beautiful dresses and hairdo's... Such a pity I never attend to the Ball when I was a student. Didn't have the money to get a dress. Talk about not having a date to go with, nor any friends that matter... But! Today, I can live that little fantasy and join the party. Of course, since it's all about the students and it's their moment, I won't be wearing a ball gown. But, I do wear a dark blue wrap dress with long sleeves. Got also my makeup and hair done nicely, just the way I like it in cases like these. Sniffy watches me as I get ready in front of the mirror. I feel so giddy about all of this! Bet this is going to be a great night! "There. All done! See you later, Sniffy." I peck a kiss on top of his head and leave the chamber.