Unexpected Fate (Severus Snape x Reader)

𝟐𝟓 - 𝓗𝓮 𝓲𝓼 𝓫𝓪𝓬𝓴

The anticipation was palpable in the air as the final task of the Triwizard Tournament approached. The massive hedges of the maze loomed ominously, casting long shadows over the grounds. Students and faculty from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang gathered around the perimeter, the excitement and tension almost tangible.

I found myself a spot in the stands, glancing around nervously. It wasn't long before I noticed Severus making his way through the crowd. He seemed to be searching for someone, and I couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach as he approached.

"Is this seat taken?" he asked, his voice as controlled and indifferent as ever, though his eyes held a flicker of something deeper.

"No, please, sit," I replied, gesturing to the empty space beside me. As he settled in, I felt a strange mix of discomfort and anticipation.

The crowd's chatter filled the silence between us, and I tried to focus on the maze, but my mind kept wandering back to the recent encounters we had shared.

After a few minutes, Severus broke the silence. "You seem... nervous."

I forced a small smile. "I suppose I am. This task is quite dangerous."

He nodded, his gaze fixed on the maze. "Indeed. It's not something to be taken lightly."

We fell into another silence, but this time it felt less awkward. Perhaps it was just being in each other's presence that made the difference. As the champions prepared to enter the maze, the crowd hushed in anticipation.

"Do you think Harry will manage?" I asked quietly.

Severus glanced at me, his expression unreadable. "Potter has a knack for getting himself out of trouble. Let's hope this time is no different."

The champions entered the maze, and the atmosphere grew even more charged. I watched as Harry and Cedric disappeared into the dark, twisting paths, my heart pounding with worry.

Severus shifted slightly in his seat, and I felt his knee brush against mine. It was a small, almost imperceptible gesture, but it sent a jolt of warmth through me. I glanced at him, but he kept his gaze firmly on the maze.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours. The maze seemed to swallow the champions whole, and the silence was broken only by the occasional cheer or gasp from the crowd.

At one point, Severus leaned in slightly, his shoulder brushing against mine. "Are you cold?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"A little," I admitted, though the chill in the air was the last thing on my mind.

Without a word, he shifted closer, his presence providing a surprising amount of warmth. It was a small, subtle gesture, but it spoke volumes. In that moment, the tension between us seemed to dissolve, replaced by a quiet understanding.

Suddenly, a loud cheer erupted from the crowd, drawing our attention back to the maze. A bright flash of light illuminated the hedges, and Harry emerged, clutching the Triwizard Cup alongside Cedric. Relief washed over me, and I found myself leaning into Severus, sharing the moment of triumph.

"They made it," I whispered, my voice filled with emotion.

The triumphant atmosphere quickly shifted as something seemed amiss. Cedric wasn't moving, and Harry's expression was one of profound grief. The jubilation of the crowd began to falter as murmurs of confusion spread.

Severus and I exchanged a worried glance, instinctively understanding that something was very wrong. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, a sense of dread creeping over me.