The Deputy Headmistress: A Severus Snape Romance

16.Corny's

Severus and Samara walked through Diagon Alley. Samara had changed into comfortable clothing for the shopping trip. Since it was summer, the streets were crowded with families and students getting ready for the new school year.

Severus navigated the crowd with swift, effortless strides, while Samara struggled to keep up, frequently getting caught in the throng as he moved ahead as smoothly as a vampire slipping through the night.

"Professor Snape, can we slow down, please? I’m out of breath," she called, panting as she tried to catch up. "It’s been a long time since I walked through crowds like this."

If it had been anyone else, Severus would have responded with an acidic remark. But when he glanced back at her, genuinely out of breath, her chest rising and falling gracefully, he found himself momentarily speechless. He snapped his gaze away and waited for her to catch up before they resumed their walk.

He led her away from the crowded streets and toward Gringotts.

"Let’s get you registered for the school’s account." The procedure was long, and the goblin handling the transaction kept casting curious glances at Samara.

There were numerous questions about her dual citizenship, and he seemed particularly interested in why she had left England. He justified his inquiry by claiming it was to ensure that she doesn't run off with the money.

Samara hesitated. "Uh, it was because of... personal reasons."

"We need details of said personal reasons," the goblin pressed. Samara clenched her fists, feeling the urge to punch the goblin in the face.

Severus, exasperated, noticed her discomfort. He could see her hesitancy and how uneasy she became when questioned. Something about the situation piqued his curiosity—he wanted to know what had happened. But one look at her face, blank yet filled with conflicting emotions, made him decide against pursuing it further.

"Listen here, she’s a trusted member. If you could just add her to the registry, we’ll be on our way. We have a lot of work to do." He snapped at the goblin.

The goblin begrudgingly finished the process and sent them on their way. "Thank you," Samara whispered softly, almost inaudibly but Severus heard it.

Their next stop was the potions shop. Severus led her down an abandoned cobblestone street. Samara paused, eyes widening. "Are we going to Knockturn Alley?" she asked, her voice tinged with panic.

"Yes."

"Why are we going there? It’s not exactly safe."

"We’re adults with wands, Professor Pritchett. There’s no danger for us there. Our vendor operates his shop here, and therefore, we must go."

"Uhm... do you not have any other vendors, Professor? I don’t fancy taking a walk here." She looked genuinely fearful, and Severus found it somewhat amusing.

"Professor Pritchett, please don’t tell me you’re afraid. You’re an adult who knows how to wield her wand against any threat."

"Being an adult doesn’t mean feeling safe in Knockturn Alley. The mere need for defense in a shopping area is, in itself, unnecessary." She shot back, unwilling to relive the memories she had from years ago.

"We can’t proceed if you refuse to come. I need to introduce you to him so you can get the ingredients at the same price."

"Professor Snape, you don’t understand. If I come this time, I’ll have to come alone later whenever we need supplies. I can’t do that. Please." She seemed desperate. "I can find a different vendor with good-quality supplies."