Always (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter Two: First Day

As you stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the long royal blue coat edged with orange given to you by the Headmistress. You smiled at the dress that you wore underneath. You wore a dark blue outfit, nearly black, to be honest, that hugged your curves and emphasized your small stature. You took a deep breath, smoothing down the fabric, and steeled yourself for your first-day teaching at Hogwarts. The newness of it all was overwhelming but also exhilarating.

Taking one last look at your reflection, you walked over to a small table where a tin can of biscuits sat, a thoughtful gift sent by the Headmistress via owl. The tin can was beautifully decorated with images of Hogwarts, spires, and turrets gleaming under a starry sky. You traced your fingers over the intricate design, admiring the craftsmanship.

You opened the tin, releasing a comforting buttery aroma. Inside were an assortment of biscuits, each one more tempting than the last. You selected a buttery shortbread and its golden edges and paired it with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea.

Settling into a cozy chair by the window, you took a moment to enjoy the treat. The biscuits were delightfully crisp, with a hint of sweetness that paired perfectly with the fragrant tea. You savored each bite, letting the warmth and flavor soothe your nerves. The Headmistress's baking skills never failed to amaze you.

As you looked out the window, the view was breathtaking. The morning light bathed the grounds of Hogwarts in a golden glow, illuminating the lush greenery and the sparkling lake in the distance. You watched as students began to trickle out of the castle, their laughter and chatter adding to the lively atmosphere of the new school year.

You felt a renewed sense of calm and determination when you finished your tea and biscuits. You stood up, straightened your coat again, and looked around your cozy chambers. With a determined nod, you grabbed your bag, filled with lesson plans and notes, and headed out the door.

As you made your way through the familiar corridors of Hogwarts, you couldn't help but feel a rush of nostalgia. The castle held so many joyous and challenging memories, and now you were returning as a professor. The thought filled you with a sense of pride and purpose.

Your first stop was at the Headmistress's office. As you arrived at the office, you knocked on the grand oak door and entered at the Headmistress's bidding. The office was just as you remembered it to be when you were a student, with Dumblebore as Headmaster, filled with magical artifacts and the comforting smell of old books.

"Good morning, Y/N," the Headmistress greeted warmly. "How are you feeling about your first day?" as she sits at her desk, looking at you with a smile.

"I'm a bit nervous, to be honest," you admitted as Headmistress McGonagall pointed you to take a seat. "But I'm also excited." as you sat across her desk.

The Headmistress nodded, her eyes twinkling. "You'll do wonderfully. I have no doubt." She smiles and pauses. "However, there's something else on my mind." She locks her fingers together and seriously looks at you. "It's Severus. He's still healing, and I'm worried about him." still looking at you as she paused, you looked at her in curiosity as to why she mentioned this but didn't bother to ask. "You've always been good at healing, even as a student. Could you... possibly... keep an eye on him for me?"

Your heart skipped a beat at the mention of keeping an eye on him. As you thought about it, you had always been fascinated with healing people ever since the incident with your parents. (Your parents were killed by the death eaters when you were at the age of 8. Although McGonagall had sort of adopted you, you were very traumatized by this). You paused and looked at the Headmistress. "Of course. I'll do my best." giving her a satisfied smile with your answer. McGonagall smiled back at you.