Severus Snape x student LOVE STORY

Chapter 5 - the Switch in Personality

It was a new day. Adeline, still stuck in the young girls body, entered the Slytherin common room, her arms full of books that felt heavier with each step she took. The room was bathed in the flickering green light from the fire, which danced against the cold, dark stone walls. Ornate silver lamps cast shadows over the rich, emerald-green sofas and high-backed chairs, while tapestries depicting serpentine motifs hung heavily on the walls. The murmur of low conversations and the occasional burst of laughter echoed throughout the room, giving it a lively yet secretive atmosphere. As she made her way toward her usual group, she noticed the students scattered around, some huddled together in whispered conversations, others sprawled out on the couches, lazily flipping through spell books or playing wizarding chess. The low hum of chatter created a comforting background noise that reminded her of how strange this new reality was.

When Adeline reached the table where her friends sat, Blaise, ever observant, noticed her approach and immediately shifted to create space for her. She slipped into the seat beside him, offering him a brief smile before setting her books down on the table with a soft thud. The others—Daphne, Pansy, Theodore, and Draco—looked up at her, curiosity and mild confusion etched on their faces.

Adeline, feeling the weight of their stares, pulled out one of her books and began to study. Blaise leaned closer, draping his arm casually over her shoulders, his voice low and teasing as he asked, "Studying on a Sunday, Malia? Since when did you become such a scholar?"

Without looking up from her book, Adeline, still having to play the part of Malia, replied, "I need to get my grades up. I'm one of the lowest scoring students in Slytherin. I can't afford to fall any further behind."

Draco, who had been lounging with Pansy clinging to his arm, raised an eyebrow at her, clearly skeptical. "Since when have you ever cared about grades?"

Adeline lifted her gaze, meeting his icy stare with a calm she didn't quite feel. "I started caring once I realized I can only count on myself."

The table fell silent, the tension palpable. Daphne, always one to ease awkward moments, let out a nervous giggle and quickly changed the subject. "So, how was your detention with Snape?" she asked, her eyes flicking between the person she saw as Malia and the others.

Adeline allowed herself a small smile. "It wasn't too bad. I expected worse, honestly."

Theo, who had been lounging lazily with his feet propped up, grinned. "When I had detention with Snape last year, he made me clean out bedpans in the infirmary—by hand, no magic. It was revolting."

Adeline giggled at that, a sound that seemed to surprise everyone at the table. Blaise, his arm still resting comfortably around her, leaned in closer, his voice soft. "It's been a long time since I've heard you laugh, Malia."

She grew quiet, turning to meet his gaze. "I was serious that time, Blaise," she said. "You don't need to worry about me anymore. I just want a peaceful school life from now on."

Before anyone could respond, Draco slammed his book down on the table with a loud thud, startling the entire group. The sound echoed through the common room, drawing the attention of a few nearby students. He stood up, ripping his arm out from Pansy's grasp, his expression dark and stormy. "I've had enough of this girl's nonsense," he snapped, turning on his heel. "Crabbe, Goyle, let's go." The two other boys, both of bigger build, scrambled to their feet and followed Draco as he stormed out of the common room.

Adeline merely glanced at him, then turned back to her books, determined to ignore the disruption. As she continued studying, Blaise would occasionally lean over, whispering something playful or teasing in her ear, coaxing more laughter from her despite herself. Daphne and Theo engaged in their own conversation, while Pansy's eyes never left Adeline, her gaze sharp and full of silent judgment, as if she was trying to decipher a puzzle that had suddenly grown more complex.