Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟏𝟐 - 𝓤𝓷𝓼𝓹𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷 𝓣𝓮𝓷𝓼𝓲𝓸𝓷𝓼

As the final leaves of autumn fluttered to the ground, the crisp chill of winter began to creep into Hogwarts. The days had flown by in a blur, marked by the steady rhythm of classes and the occasional snowfall that dusted the castle grounds with a delicate layer of white. The atmosphere was quieter, the urgency of recent events slowly giving way to a more serene routine.

Hagrid had returned from his unjust imprisonment, his presence a comforting reminder of normalcy restored. The students greeted him with the enthusiasm and relief that only his warm, giant heart could inspire. Classes continued as usual, and the school, while still bearing the scars of the Chamber of Secrets incident, seemed to be settling back into its familiar pattern.

Despite the return to routine, I found myself increasingly avoiding Severus Snape. Ever since that vivid dream several months ago, I had been consciously steering clear of him.

One crisp December morning, as I walked through the castle corridors, the low hum of conversations and the occasional burst of laughter from students enjoying the start of the winter holidays filled the air. The warmth from the roaring fireplaces contrasted sharply with the biting cold outside. I made my way to my office, hoping to escape the frost that clung to the windows and the lingering memories of that unsettling dream.

Entering my office, I was greeted by the familiar sight of stacks of parchment and the comforting aroma of the fireside. As I settled in, preparing for the day's lessons, I couldn't help but reflect on how swiftly the months had passed. The winter season was upon us, and with it came a sense of both calm and anticipation for the year ahead.

The classroom was abuzz with the usual murmurs of students settling in for the day's lesson. The flickering torches cast a warm glow on the ancient stone walls, and the large wooden desks were arranged in neat rows. I took a deep breath, feeling the familiar blend of excitement and nerves as the students began to quiet down.

"Good morning, everyone," I said, walking to the front of the room. "Today we'll be delving into the history of magical creatures, focusing on the centaurs and their role in wizarding history."

A ripple of interest swept through the room. Centaurs were always a favorite topic among students. As I started the lecture, I noticed Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley seated in the front row, their attention fully focused. Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, on the other hand, sat a few rows back, their usual tension palpable even from a distance.

The lesson began smoothly, with the students taking notes as I spoke about the centaurs' ancient alliance with the wizards and their eventual withdrawal from active magical affairs. I was about to transition to a discussion on centaur interactions with magical laws when a sudden commotion interrupted.

A loud crash echoed through the classroom as a glass jar containing some ancient centaur relics, which had been set on a side table, shattered to the floor. Students jumped in their seats, and I rushed to the source of the noise. To my dismay, I found Draco Malfoy standing with a look of innocent surprise, while Ron Weasley was kneeling by the shards of glass, his face flushed with anger.

"What happened here?" I asked, trying to maintain my composure.

Draco feigned confusion. "I don't know, Professor. I was just reaching for my book when the jar fell."

Ron glared at Draco. "He's lying! He was poking at it with his wand."

Hermione, having stood up, walked over and examined the broken jar. "It looks like the jar was enchanted. It's not just a regular piece of glass."

I nodded, realizing the situation was more complex than it initially seemed. "Draco, Ron, come with me to my desk. The rest of you, please stay seated and continue your notes. We'll resume the lesson shortly."