Severus Snape x student LOVE STORY

Chapter 12 - Snape's Summer Holiday

Adeline stepped into Severus Snape's home, feeling an odd mixture of anticipation and apprehension. The house at Spinner's End was just as she had imagined it—a quaint, unassuming structure nestled in a rather dreary part of Cokeworth. The house, though small, had a certain charm to it, an echo of the past that lingered in the shadows of the old furniture and the many books that lined the walls.

As she entered, the first thing that struck her was the darkness. The air was heavy with the scent of old wood and parchment, the curtains drawn just enough to let in slivers of fading daylight. Dust motes floated lazily in the beams of light, and she could see that while the place was well-lived in, it hadn't been fussed over in a long time. Still, there was something comforting about it, like stepping into a forgotten, well-worn book.

Adeline placed her suitcases, each bearing the Beaumont family crest, by the entrance and took a moment to absorb her surroundings. Her eyes scanned the dark wooden furniture, the overstuffed armchairs that had seen better days, and the antique knickknacks scattered around, each with its own story. She smiled softly. This was a place of solitude, a sanctuary for someone who preferred the company of books and quietude to that of people.

From the kitchen, she heard the sound of a kettle being put on, followed by the soft, measured footsteps of Severus Snape as he emerged into the entrance hall. He regarded her with a look that was both curious and guarded.

"Your room is upstairs, on the far right," he said in his usual low, even tone. "There is a lavatory up there as well, which you are free to use."

Adeline nodded, her voice quiet as she responded, "Thank you, Professor." With that, she picked up her bags and ascended the creaky staircase.

The room Snape had assigned to her was modest yet welcoming. The green wallpaper gave it a slightly brighter appearance compared to the rest of the house, and a small fireplace added a touch of warmth. A wooden four-poster bed with white linen sheets and a knitted cover stood against one wall, and a large bookcase full of old volumes took up another. A comfortable chair was placed near the bookcase, beside a window that offered a view of the scenery outside.

Adeline put down her suitcases and wandered over to the desk. Running her fingers across the dusty surface, she found herself drawn to the carved initials in the wood: 'S.T.S.' A quiet chuckle escaped her lips as she whispered, "Severus Tobias Snape."

"Tea is ready," Snape's voice broke the silence, making her jump slightly. He stood in the doorway, watching her with curiosity.

Adeline turned to face him, offering a small smile. "This is a lovely room."

"It was mine when I was a child," Snape replied, his tone neutral but his eyes betraying a flicker of nostalgia. She glanced around the room again, then back at the professor. "Did you sit on that windowsill and read when you were young?"

Snape hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting to the windowsill before he answered, "Yes."

There was a brief silence between them before Snape cleared his throat, signalling the end of the conversation. "Come downstairs. We need to have a chat." They then made their way back to the living room, where Snape poured tea into delicate white teacups with gold edges. Adeline accepted hers with a quiet thank you and settled into a chair across from Snape, who sat down in a worn leather armchair.

As they sipped their tea, Snape began, "While you are here, you may call me by my last name. There is no need for formalities."

Almost immediately, Adeline straightened up, her voice firm. "I'd prefer to keep calling you 'Professor,' sir. I don't wish to be so rude as to call you by your name."