What Lies Within the Shadows [SEVERUS SNAPE]

Game, Set, Match-25

The crisp autumn air felt refreshing against my skin as I strolled outside with Remus. The golden hues of the falling leaves painted a picturesque scene, the transition to fall evident in the rustling leaves beneath our feet. Our playful bickering echoed in the quietude of the grounds.

"I told you, Remus, it's not about who was right. It's about the principle of the matter," I said, a teasing edge to my voice.

"Oh, come on, (Y/n)," Remus retorted with a smirk. "If you had just admitted that I was right about the potion timing, we could have avoided this whole argument."

Before I could respond, three students, papers clutched in their hands, raced past us. They jostled Remus, who instinctively moved closer to me to avoid falling. I shot the students a disapproving look as they quickly apologized before continuing their hasty journey.

"What's the rush?" I murmured, my curiosity piqued as I noticed them heading toward the Hogwarts gates. I motioned for Remus to follow me, his puzzled expression mirroring my own as we approached the scene unfolding at the entrance.

Professor McGonagall stood by Filch, overseeing a group of students eagerly handing over their permission slips. McGonagall's voice, firm and authoritative, carried over to us. "These visits to Hogsmeade Village are a privilege. Should your behavior reflect poorly on the school in any way, that privilege shall not be extended again."

I watched as Harry stepped forward, holding out his permission slip with a hopeful expression. "But it is signed, Professor. See?" he said, showing McGonagall the form.

McGonagall scrutinized the form for a moment before looking back at Harry with a look of mild regret. "Only a parent or guardian can sign it, Mr. Potter. As you know, Professor (Y/n) does not have full custody over you, and thus her signature cannot be accepted for such permissions."

Harry's face fell, a mixture of confusion and disappointment etched clearly on his features. "But I thought if (Y/n) signed it, I could go. She's my godmother."

McGonagall sighed, her expression softening. "I'm sorry, Harry, but the rules are quite clear. Unless a legal guardian or parent signs, you cannot leave for Hogsmeade Village." She gave him a sympathetic nod. "I must insist that we follow the rules."

With a last glance at Harry, McGonagall turned and followed Filch and the students who had managed to get their slips approved. Harry's friends watched from a distance, concern visible on their faces as Harry assured them he'd be okay.

As the gates closed behind the departing group, Harry turned and walked back towards the castle, his shoulders slightly hunched. My heart ached seeing him so disheartened, a pang of guilt twisting inside me.

"I forgot how strict the rules are," I muttered to Remus, feeling the weight of the situation.

As Harry approached us, curiosity replaced his earlier disappointment. "Professors, what are you doing?" he asked, raising an eyebrow at our attempt to blend into the wall.

Caught, I quickly looked at my nails and whistled nonchalantly while Remus innocently kicked his foot on the ground. "Oh, just... you know, checking up on you," I said, trying to sound casual.

Remus shot me a sideways glance before speaking up, "Care to take a walk with us?" His tone was light and inviting.

Harry looked between us, clearly amused but also intrigued. After a moment, he nodded. "Sure, why not."

As we walked out through the gates and onto the path leading to the bridge, the crisp evening air wrapped around us, carrying the first hints of autumn. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. The bridge stretched out before us, empty now that the students had passed, offering a peaceful view of the grounds below.