Always (Severus Snape x Reader)

Chapter Four: Umbitch and Cockhart (TW)

(Edited: July 30, 2024)
The winter term at Hogwarts had settled into its usual rhythm. The castle was abuzz with the excitement of new lessons and the anticipation of upcoming events. It had been a few weeks since the school had started back in January, and now February had arrived, bringing with it a fresh sense of purpose.

You managed to move past the embarrassing encounter in the library, although you had avoided Professor Snape ever since (running the other direction from him and eating in your chamber instead of the Great Hall). Not hearing from Dolores Umbridge was a blessing in itself, sparing you her insufferable presence.

As you walked through the corridors with your nose buried in a book, you acknowledged the greetings of students with a nod, not really paying attention to your surroundings. It was a typical day, of course, until you felt a hand on your waist, startling you out of your reverie. You looked up to see Professor Lockhart grinning at you.

"Ah, Professor Y/N! What a delightful surprise," he said, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief.

You stepped back, walking away from his grip, smiling awkwardly. "Good afternoon, Professor Lockhart. How can I help you?" as you tried to bury your thoughts in the book you were reading again, as you continued to walk, looking at his feet to check if he tried to ever walk near and grab you again.

Lockhart's smile widened. "I was just thinking about Valentine's Day. It's just around the corner, you know. I have the perfect plan for a special someone. Care to guess who it might be?" As he leans towards you, he tries to get hold of you again. You swayed away from him even further, making him almost fall from his steps.

You felt a shiver of disgust run down your spine but forced yourself to play along. "I really couldn't say, Professor." Muttering to yourself as to why this man even has his eyes on you.

"Oh, come now," he said, leaning even closer. "I'll give you a hint. She's standing right in front-"

Just as he was about to finish his sentence, the bell rang for class. You seized the opportunity to excuse yourself. "I'm sorry, Professor Lockhart, but I must get to my class."

You hurried away before he could say anything more, feeling relieved to escape his advances. As you entered your classroom, you saw the Potter and Weasley children goofing around with the transfiguration spells you had taught them last week. With a flick of your wand, you restored the items to their original state, startling the children, who quickly sat up straight in their seats.

"Good morning, class," you said with a smile, beginning your lesson.

-----

As the class ended, Scorpius Malfoy approached you with a shy smile on his face. You were arranging your table from the mess the spell you thought did as you looked up to smile at him back.

"Professor Y/N, I just wanted to say that your class is really enjoyable. My mother used to mention you a lot."

You smiled warmly. "Thank you, Scorpius. Your mother was a dear friend."

He handed you a parchment. "This is from my father. I found it hanging around the fireplace and noticed it was addressed to you; I think you should read it."

You took the parchment, noticing it was slightly burnt at the edges and crumpled. "Thank you, Scorpius." You held onto the parchment, feeling its texture and slowly unfolding it.

As he bid farewell, you fully unfolded the parchment at your desk. Your breath caught as you read the words written in Draco's neat handwriting. It was a heartfelt letter, a sort of confession, asking you out for Valentine's Day. There it is written: