Entitled

Chapter 27*

Arrival

Finally, you arrived via Floo back to the house, stepping into the living room to find Severus reading the paper. He looked up as you entered, his eyes immediately noticing the bag you were carrying.

"Did you have a nice day?" he asked, folding the paper and setting it aside. His gaze lingered on the bag, curiosity evident.

You let out a sigh, setting the bag down. "It's a long story."

Severus raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on his lips. "I have time."

"What did you do today to keep yourself busy?" you asked, trying to delay the inevitable explanation.

Severus leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled. "A number of things. Now, where did you go?"

You hesitated for a moment, then decided to come clean. "It's a long story, but I bought a more revealing dress to wear to the Ministry tomorrow."

Severus gave you a long, slow blink, processing your words. "Explain," he said finally, his tone demanding but not unkind.

Taking a deep breath, you launched into the story. "Lucius made a comment today about my attire, suggesting I should cover up. He was incredibly smug and condescending about it. Adrian and I went shopping after work, and I decided to get a dress that's even more revealing, just to spite Lucius."

Severus listened intently as you continued. "Lucius thinks he can control me, but I'm not going to let him. I'm going to show him that I won't be intimidated or shamed by his comments."

Severus's expression softened slightly, though concern flickered in his eyes. "You're playing a dangerous game, Y/N. Lucius is not someone to be trifled with lightly."

You nodded, understanding his concern but resolute in your decision. "I know, Severus. But I need to show him that he can't control me. I won't let him have that power over me."

He sighed, nodding slowly. "Very well. But be careful. Lucius is cunning and will not hesitate to use any advantage he can find."

You gave him a grateful smile. "Thank you for understanding. I'll be careful."

Severus's expression hardened slightly. "Do you think I should be pleased about you trying to provoke another man in this way?"

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "It's not about provoking him for attention. It's about standing up for myself and not letting him think he can control me."

He crossed his arms, his gaze intense. "And you believe this is the best way to achieve that?"

"Maybe not the best way," you admitted, "but it's the only way I can think of right now. He's trying to intimidate me, and I need to show him that I won't be intimidated."

Severus leaned over you, his presence intense and commanding. "What if I say no? That I don't want my girlfriend to be looked at in this unsavory manner?"

Your heart skipped a beat, the word "girlfriend" sending a thrill through you. You looked up at him, your eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and delight. "Are you my boyfriend?"

He hesitated for a moment, his gaze softening as he studied your face. "If you'll have me."

A slow smile spread across your lips as you reached up to cup his cheek. "Of course, I'll have you. Severus Snape, my boyfriend. It has a nice ring to it."

He leaned down, capturing your lips in a gentle yet passionate kiss. You melted into the embrace, the tension of the day melting away. When he pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want to lose you."