Entitled

Chapter 20

Soured Pumpkin Juice

The next evening, you found yourself replaying the events of the day in your mind. Severus had slipped you a note during Potions class, his fingers brushing yours briefly as he handed it to you. The note had been simple and direct: Meet me in my chambers tonight. We need to talk.

You felt a mix of anticipation and dread as you made your way to his chambers. The warm glow of the fireplace and the soft crackle of the flames greeted you as you entered.

Severus was sitting in his high-back chair, a pensive look on his face. He gestured for you to sit, but there was a coldness in his demeanor that made you hesitate.

"I have a lot of studying to do," you began, hoping to avoid a confrontation.

Severus's eyes narrowed. "Studying? Is that what you call it?" His voice was dangerously low.

You frowned, confused. "What are you talking about?"

He leaned forward, his eyes boring into yours. "I'm talking about the books you've been checking out of the library. 'Blood and Shadow: The Darkest Magics Unveiled', 'Hexes and Curses: The Art of the Forbidden', 'Feminine Power: Ancient Rites and Rituals'... Shall I continue?"

You felt a surge of anger. "A bit of light reading," you said, your tone dripping with sarcasm.

Severus stood up, his expression darkening. "This is not a game, Y/N. Why the sudden interest in these sorts of books?"

You crossed your arms, your anger matching his. "Why don't you tell me what you think first?"

His patience was wearing thin, and it showed. "Enough of the games. I demand an answer."

You took a deep breath, your fury barely contained. "Someone is a very naughty distrustful boy," you said, your voice shaking with rage. "How dare you snoop through my private affairs?"

Severus's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and concern. "I am trying to protect you. These books... they are dangerous. You are delving into areas that could have severe consequences."

Severus's eyes flashed with a mix of frustration and concern. "I am trying to protect you. These books... they are dangerous. You are delving into areas that could have severe consequences."

You felt a surge of anger and hurt, your voice trembling with emotion. "You are not entitled to a single answer for your mistrust and snooping."

He took a step closer, his eyes narrowing. "I demand to know about the book you checked out in front of me about fertility. Are you planning to trick me into something?"

His words hit you like a physical blow, and you felt your heart break. The suggestion that you would deceive him in such a way was unbearable. "No, Severus," you said, your voice barely above a whisper. "How could you think that of me?"

He seemed taken aback by the pain in your eyes, but his stance remained firm. "You refuse to tell me anything, and I am left to draw my own conclusions."

You shook your head, tears welling up in your eyes. "It's not your business," you insisted, your voice stronger now. "My research and my reasons are my own. You have no right to invade my privacy and then accuse me of such things."

Severus's expression softened slightly, but the tension remained. "I just want to understand, Y/N. You're diving into dark magic, and I fear for what it might do to you."

You stood your ground, anger and disappointment fueling your resolve. "You don't trust me, Severus. That's the problem. You see these books and assume the worst. I thought you knew me better than that."