Wildflowers

Let it Be

Kat moved around her cottage with the energy of someone preparing for a big night, setting out bottles of alcohol, arranging glasses on the counter, and ensuring every detail was perfect.

She had just finished setting up when the elves arrived with food from the school, and she directed them with a warm smile, thanking them as they set out platters of food—charcuterie, roasted vegetables, mini sandwiches, and an assortment of sweets. She took her time arranging everything just right, making the cottage feel both welcoming and intimate.

Severus watched her quietly, sipping a drink as she worked, appreciating the effortless way she brought the space to life. His dark eyes followed her every movement, but his mind couldn't quite shake the thought of Miles.

He hadn't met the man yet, but there was something about the way Kat had spoken of him—a certain ease, a certain history—that made Severus feel... unsettled.

Before he could dwell too long on it, the doorbell rang, and the first guests arrived. Ophelia Clearwater, the charms professor, swept in with her dark cropped hair with silver streaks and elegant robes, followed by Finn O'Hare, the lively, animated Muggle Studies professor. They exchanged hugs and pleasantries with Kat, and soon more of the school staff started to filter in—groundskeepers, Quidditch coaches, and other professors.

Kat, ever the social butterfly, flitted between groups, making sure everyone had a drink and something to eat, her charm filling the room as easily as the music playing in the background. Severus stood off to the side, observing, quietly absorbing the energy of the party.

And then, the door swung open again, and Miles walked in.

He was as handsome as Kat had described him—tall, with perfectly styled dark hair, and sharp blue eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. Dressed in a tailored suit, Miles exuded confidence, the kind that turned heads as soon as he entered the room. Beside him was his date, a striking woman dressed in a shimmering, provocative dress that left little to the imagination.

Severus's eyes narrowed slightly as he watched the pair approach Kat. Miles crossed the room with a warm smile, pulling Kat into a tight embrace before kissing her cheek.

"Kat," Miles greeted, his voice smooth and familiar. "It's been far too long."

Kat smiled, returning the hug. "Miles. You always know how to make an entrance."

Severus, standing nearby, felt a subtle shift in the room's energy as he watched the interaction. There was an ease between Kat and Miles, a history that lingered just beneath the surface. His jaw tightened slightly as he stepped forward, his presence quiet but commanding.

Miles's attention shifted, and his blue eyes landed on Severus. The grin on his face didn't falter as he extended a hand. "Ahh, you must be Professor Snape," he said, his voice filled with casual warmth. "Kat's mentioned you, briefly. I'm Miles Livingston."

Severus took his hand, his grip firm and steady, though his eyes held a coldness that contradicted the civility of the handshake. "Livingston," he said simply, his voice measured. "Likewise."

Kat, sensing the tension, slipped her hand onto Severus's arm, offering him a reassuring smile. "Miles, this is Severus. He's new to the school, but we've become fast friends." There was a playful tone to her voice, but Severus could feel the deeper meaning in her words.

Miles raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the subtle claim. "Ah, friends," he echoed, glancing between the two of them. "Well, I can see why Kat would be drawn to you, Severus. You've got that dark, brooding thing going on. I'm sure it's very effective."