Begged and borrowed time - Tom Riddle

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒖𝒓: 𝑭𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒆𝒂𝒓

September - 1991:

August was ready. Dressed in her uniform and carrying her bags, she anxiously waited for Severus in Dumbledore's office. They were preparing to travel using floo powder. Today, the office had a different atmosphere. Sunlight poured in, casting beautiful dancing dust particles that could only be seen through the rays, adding to August's excitement. As the office door swung open, someone unfamiliar entered. Reacting quickly, August hid, uncertain if it was a student or teacher who might not be aware of her presence.

"Foolish girl," Severus Snape's voice spoke, annoyance evident in his tone. However, August couldn't help but burst into laughter when she realized that Severus was disguised to accompany her. She had completely forgotten about their arrangement. Dumbledore smiled at the sight. The laughter faded swiftly as she caught a glimpse of Severus's expression. "Can we go now?" Snape asked, his annoyance palpable. Resolute, August stood by the fireplace, exchanging one last look with the headmaster, seeking his approval. With the Professor and Headmaster observing, she announced her destination aloud. In a roar, the emerald green fire engulfed her and carried her away.

August arrived in a seemingly empty flat. The space felt old, with dim lighting as the curtains partially obstructed the sunlight. The room carried a faint scent of dust, and the wooden floor creaked under her footsteps. Despite being furnished, the furniture appeared unused. A round, dark wooden table with two chairs occupied one corner, and a small sofa sat in the middle of the room, facing the window. August's eyes couldn't help but notice a half-empty cup of dark coffee resting on the table. It didn't take long before Severus joined her in the flat, completing their journey.

"Do you have everything you need?" he asked, his tone serious.

"I think so," the girl replied, her voice filled with uncertainty.

"Wait here," the professor ordered, opening one of the flat doors. A few seconds later, Severus returned to the room, holding a cage in his hand. Inside the cage was a Niffler. August gasped loudly, for Nifflers had always been her favorite animals, but she had never seen one before.

"Is it yours?" she asked in awe, approaching the creature to get a better look, the Niffler clearly distracted by the shiny cage. It was an unexpected sight coming from someone like Professor Severus Snape.

"No, it's yours," Snape replied, offering her the cage. August looked at him incredulously, unable to believe it. She had mentioned her fondness for Nifflers during one of their private lessons, but the professor didn't seem to pay much attention to it at the time, or so she thought.

"But... but I thought Nifflers were forbidden as pets at Hogwarts."

"Don't worry, I've spoken to Dumbledore. We thought it would be beneficial for you, and a great responsibility to shoulder, especially since you don't seem to have any. As for the other students, I'm sure you'll come up with something," he said, avoiding eye contact with August. The girl didn't hesitate and threw herself at the professor, hugging him tightly. After a few moments, he gently released her and spoke again.

"Let's go now, you don't want to miss the train," he warned. Severus would never admit it, but that hug had touched his heart and made him feel a warmth he rarely experienced.

The two of them set off. Arriving at the station, the professor stopped at a barrier between platforms nine and ten. He explained to August that she had to run straight for the seemingly solid barrier. She turned to begin saying her goodbye to the professor, knowing she would see him later, but the mix of excitement and nervousness made it feel like a bittersweet farewell.

"Well...thank you for escorting me," she began, her voice filled with gratitude. The professor simply pointed towards the barrier, not quite adept at expressing emotions or engaging in sentimental conversations.