Devotion (Snape × Student OC)

23《season three》

I diligently worked on my homework at my desk, I grumbled inwardly at the mountain of tasks assigned by the professors for the summer holiday. The open window allowed a gentle breeze to drift into the room, and Teddy let out soft snores on his little bed below mine.
Flipping through the pages of the book, searching for an answer, I was interrupted by a knock. "I'm studying." knowing it was Gentiana.

The door slowly opened, and she entered the room, a warm smile on her face. "I can see that you're studying hard, my dear." her eyes wandering to the pile of books and papers on my desk. She took a seat on the edge of my bed, holding a letter in her hand "But there's something you should see".
My attention left the book and my curiosity grew. "What is it? Is it a letter from Hogwarts?"

She nodded and opened the letter, reading aloud the details. "Hogwarts term will begin on September 1st, and the Hogwarts Express will depart at 11 am. However, there is an addition for third-year students this year. They will be allowed to visit Hogsmeade during the weekend. Please ensure you give the attached letter to your parent or guardian to sign. Professor McGonagall."

I stared at her, excitement bubbling up inside me "We'll be able to go to Hogsmeade?" Gentiana smiled, seeing the sparkle in my eyes. "Indeed, Isn't that exciting?". Teddy abruptly woke up, sensing the change in my excitement, and looked around sleepily. With excitement coursing through me, I temporarily forgot all about my unfinished homework. My mind raced with possibilities, "I can't wait for the new term! It's going to be amazing!"

Gentiana stood up from my bed and moved towards my desk, her gaze falling upon my potions essays. She raised her eyebrows, a slight smile on her face. "It seems like you're quite fond of the Potions subject, putting in all this effort." My eyes widened in surprise, and a smile tugged at the corners of my lips. Gentiana chuckled softly "It seems like my Sue has found her favorite professor, hasn't she?"

I blushed slightly, shyly admitting, "Professor Snape is our Potions professor, you know. He's incredibly gifted, and well... a bit scary at times. But trust me, he's actually very kind. I never mentioned it before, but in the first year, I got lost in the Forbidden Forest, and he was the one who saved me. He searched for me for a whole day..." Gentiana's smile faded slightly, and concern filled her eyes. "You managed to get yourself into quite a predicament in your first year?"

She took my hand "Please promise me, Sue, that this year, while visiting Hogsmeade you won't find yourself in any trouble." I nodded slowly, a hint of uncertainty in my eyes "I-I promise ."
She let out a sigh, her expression showing deep concern. "But Hogwarts is safe-" Gentiana squeezed my hand, her eyes meeting mine "Yes, Hogwarts is indeed a safe place, but it doesn't guarantee that you won't encounter any danger, my dear."

I pouted, feeling a sense of resignation. "Fine" Gentiana saw my dejected expression and gently stroked my hair. "I just want you to be happy, that's all, that's what-.. " A flicker of curiosity sparked within me as I noticed her suddenly stopping mid sentence, as if holding back a secret. Like always, a familiar feeling of being kept in the dark. She gently tilted my chin up towards her and suggested, "How about you come downstairs with me and watch TV?"

We descended, Teddy settled on Gentiana's lap, playing with her long hair. A smile tugging at my lips "Can I talk a little bit more about Professor Snape with you?" She chuckled, clearly amused by my fascination for the stern professor. "I'm wondering how you ended up liking a rather frightening teacher?" As I enjoyed a piece of chocolate cake, I began to describe him.

"He's the youngest professor there. He always dresses in black, with mid-long, black hair and eyes to match. He never smiles, and he's always ready to deduct points from our house. I suppose all the Gryffindors, as well as the other houses except Slytherin, dislike him.." She listened attentively, a small smirk on her face "It seems that Professor Snape has quite the reputation, doesn't he?" A giggle escaped me, and I nodded in agreement.