Devotion (Snape × Student OC)

15

The next day, I was the first to arrive at the Potions classroom, my heart fluttering with nervousness. I was aware that Snape wasn't known for his kindness in class, and I might even be treated as harshly as Neville. Despite this, I had eagerly awaited his classes throughout the week. As I took my seat, my eyes fixed on his empty desk, a humorous thought popped into my mind, This is how Hermione must have felt about Lockhart's classes?

I couldn't help but chuckle to myself, when suddenly I noticed Neville standing in the classroom doorway. He looked at me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. Feeling embarrassed, I quickly tried to cover up by pretending I had been laughing at something in the book. "Hi Neville" I said hastily. "You came so soon." Neville smiled shyly, still looking a bit puzzled. "I'm afraid" he explained "that if I'm late even by a second, Snape will already be in class."

I found myself giggling once again, unable to suppress my inexplicable mirth. Why is everything so amusing today? Neville fidgeted awkwardly, scratching his neck before taking a seat. However, as he opened his bag, his eyes widened in shock. "Merlin's beard!" he exclaimed in disbelief, "I forgot my Potions book!" Panic flickered in his eyes as he desperately searched his bag, hoping that maybe he had misplaced it. "I swear i put it in my bag yesterday but now it's definitely not here" Neville stammered frantically.

As more students streamed into the classroom and filled up the space, I glanced over at Neville, who was now sweating bullets. No one seemed to notice his growing panic, and I desperately wanted to ask for help from Harry or Ron. However, they looked pale and exhausted, as if they hadn't slept much the night before. Hermione, on the other hand, was reciting the Potion's notes out loud, oblivious to Neville's predicament. I quickly moved over to Neville's seat, and discreetly handed him my book. "Take it" I whispered, "I'll go back to the dorm and fetch your book quickly before Snape arrives. And if I'm late, I'll just pretend that I dozed off."

Neville's eyes widened in surprise. "B-but what if he sees you left the class?" he stumbled, clearly not wanting me to get into trouble.I hurriedly waved my hand with a lighthearted smile, attempting to assure Neville. "He won't even see me go, I'll be back so fast" I said. However, as I made my way towards the exit door, I spotted Snape's towering figure entering the classroom. His eyes darted towards me, filled with confusion. With a gulp, I awkwardly made my way back to my seat, hoping that he wouldn't question my strange behavior. The class fell silent as Snape walked to the front of the classroom, his eyes scanning over the students.

His gaze lingered particularly on me for a moment, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "Today, we shall continue from where we left off last week" Snape announced in a monotone voice, his eyes still glued to me. The other students started to murmur among themselves, pulling out their notes and supplies. Snape, however, continued to look at me for a moment longer before slowly turning away. "Now, open your books to page 150," he instructed, his voice carrying an edge of irritation. Neville's heart sank even further, feeling not only anxious about Snape's class but also worried for me. I nervously swallowed, staring at my empty desk where only a quill lay.

I was at a loss for words, with no idea what kind of explanation I could possibly give. To make matters worse, I knew that Neville's fear of Snape was intense, and I didn't want to add to his stress by taking my book back from him. "Why are you sitting without a book, Miss.Sue?" Snape's voice broke through the room, cold and sharp. The class fell silent again, and all eyes turned towards me. I felt my palms begin to sweat, my heart thumping in my chest... Draco's scoffing, accompanied by the laughter of his two usual companions, echoed through the room. My voice trembled as I managed to mutter "I forgot my... book..." the room filled with the mocking laughter of the Slytherin students.

Snape, seemingly unamused by my response, raised an eyebrow. "Forgot your book?" he repeated sarcastically. "How careless of you." Draco and his friends chuckled again, clearly relishing in my embarrassment. I could feel my face growing hotter, a mix of embarrassment and shame coursing through me. Neville squeezed his eyes shut, his hands trembling, torn between telling Snape the truth and staying silent. In the end, he opted to stay quiet. Snape moved back to his desk with an air of authority, his steps firm. "Ten points from Gryffindor!" he declared sternly, his gaze fixed on me. "And detention at eight o'clock, Miss.Sue!" My heart pounded loudly in my chest, the shame and fear nearly overwhelming me.