Entitled

Chapter 88

You haven't heard from Severus in more than a month, and it's starting to weigh on you. The silence gnaws at you, filling your thoughts with worry and doubt.

 Deciding you can't stand it any longer, you send him an owl, asking him to meet you in Hogsmeade at the Three Broomsticks the next day after classes.

The next day, you arrive early, your nerves fraying as you wait impatiently. The bustling pub, usually a place of warmth and comfort, feels oppressive today. Every time the door opens, your heart leaps, only to fall again when it's not him.

Finally, Severus walks in. He spots you and makes his way over, his expression cold and guarded. As he sits down across from you, the tension is palpable.

"Severus," you begin, your voice wavering slightly. "Thank you for coming."

He nods curtly, his eyes betraying nothing. "You asked to see me. What is it?"

You swallow hard, the words you'd planned to say slipping away. "I... I haven't heard from you in so long. I was worried. I missed you."

His gaze hardens. "I've been busy. My duties at Hogwarts require my full attention."

You nod, trying to keep your composure. "I understand, but it feels like you've been avoiding me."

Severus's expression remains stony. "What did you expect, Violet? After everything that happened, I needed time to think, to distance myself."

You feel a pang of hurt but press on. "I miss my friend, Severus. That's been the hardest part. Not having you to talk to."

For a moment, a flicker of emotion crosses his face, but it's quickly replaced by his usual mask. "We both knew this wouldn't be easy. Our choices have consequences."

You nod, tears threatening to spill over. "I know, but it doesn't make it any less painful. Can we at least try to find some common ground? To be friends again?"

He looks away, his jaw tightening. "Friendship was never simple for us, Violet. There was always more beneath the surface. And now, with everything that's happened... I don't know if we can go back."

You reach across the table, touching his hand lightly. "We don't have to go back. We can find a new way forward. I just don't want to lose you completely."

He pulls his hand away, the coldness returning to his eyes. "I need more time. This isn't something I can just move past. Not yet."

You nod, feeling the weight of his words. "I understand. I'll give you the time you need. But please, don't shut me out completely."

Severus stands, looking down at you with a mixture of sadness and resolve. "I'll consider it. But for now, it's best if we keep our distance."

Your heart aches at his words, and you can't hold back the question that's been gnawing at you. "Severus, do you not love me any longer?"

For a moment, his mask slips, and you see a flicker of pain in his eyes. He takes a deep breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "Violet, my feelings for you have never been the issue. I have always loved you."

Tears well up in your eyes. "Then why are you pushing me away? Why can't we find a way to make this work?"

He looks away, his jaw tightening. "Because love is not enough, Violet. The choices we made, the paths we chose, have consequences. My responsibilities at Hogwarts, the danger that surrounds us... it's too much. I can't put you at risk, and I can't afford to be distracted."

You reach out, grabbing his hand desperately. "I don't care about the risks. I want to be with you, Severus. We can face whatever comes together."

He pulls his hand away, his expression hardening. "It's too late, Violet. You chose a different path that doesn't include me."