The Forbidden Fruit

𝕹𝖎𝖓𝖊

The next day at Hogwarts, Draco found himself in the potions classroom mid-day, stirring a cauldron of bubbling potion with more vigor than usual. His thoughts were consumed by the events of the previous night, particularly the cryptic exchange he had overheard between his father and Severus. Stirring diligently, Draco looks up from his work watching Severus prowling around the classroom, his gaze hardened and unreadable. With his eyes fixated on Severus, Draco ignores what he is doing making the cauldron boil over creating a mess "Mr. Malfoy!" snaps Severus as he glides over. Assessing the damage with a disappointed sigh he rubs his temples "I thought you were one of my better students, clean this up and start again. Otherwise you will be behind the others" he grumbles before returning to his prowling, his mind clearly somewhere else. Sneering Draco doesn't bother saying anything to him directly as he murmurs a simple cleaning spell making the mess disappear. As he retrieves supplies to start over, Draco continues to observe Severus throughout the whole period, this time, paying attention to his work.

Sitting in his desk at the front of the classroom, Severus scans over the students working quietly noticing Draco's thoughtful glare watching as his gaze darts back down to his work. Sighing softly Severus clears his throat "Mr. Malfoy.. see me after class.." he says loud enough for the rest of the class to hear. Looking up Draco sighs, hearing murmurs from his classmates he glares "Oh shut it.." he grumbles. Sitting at his desk as everyone leaves for lunch Severus stands, observing Draco packing up his things "You've been observing me, more than any time in the past... " he trailed off quietly for a moment, doing some observing of his own. "Is there something on your mind, Mr. Malfoy?" Draco hesitated for a moment, then straightened his posture, meeting Severus's gaze head-on. "Just curious, Professor.." he replied evenly, though the intensity in his eyes betrayed his true feelings. "I've noticed... things. Growing between you and my father lately" Severus's expression remained impassive, but a flicker of unease danced in his dark eyes. "Some things are best left unquestioned, Draco. Especially matters between adults.." he cautioned, his tone cryptic. "Focus on your studies and leave the rest to those who understand it better.. you need not poke your nose where it does not belong" With that, Draco decides to bite his tongue before leaving for lunch, his curiosity only growing stronger. 

Ensuring he is gone, Severus glides over to the door locking it, wanting to be alone and undisturbed with his thoughts. Making his way leisurely back to his desk, he lets out a deep sigh feeling the weight of his woes bare down on him fully as he braces against it. "This... feeling.. I haven't felt in a long time.. I've only ever felt such feelings for my dearest Lily.. I thought this was nothing more than mere loneliness, yearning for companionship.." Severus murmurs to himself turning to the window behind him. "I understand I have building feelings for Lucius, but this.... this will not do.. it can't... not to this extent.." he says as he ponders deeper staring out at the grounds below.

To Be Continued...