Shadow of Legacy

Deal

I lay awake that night, staring at the ceiling, unable to shake the image of Lily's vibrant red hair flowing through the air like flames. It haunted me, not just because of its beauty but because of the way Snape looked at her—with a kind of admiration I knew I would never receive.
I knew that this was not the typical love marriage that I pictured when I was younger, but deep down I craved at least some companionship from this cold man.
When morning came, I fought against the urge to dwell on yesterday's events. I needed to concentrate on my classes and, more urgently, find a way to escape this tangled web. Dumbledore had been wrong; Snape was not my savior, nor was he destined to be my husband. It was time to confront the harsh reality of my situation.

I chose to have breakfast earlier than usual, the thought of pretending to smile at my friends unbearable. My mind was a cacophony of thoughts. As I entered the Great Hall, I caught sight of Snape at the head table, sitting beside Dumbledore. He rarely ate, and today was no different—nursing a cup of black coffee, his expression as impenetrable as always. Thankfully, I didn't have Potions today, which spared me from confronting the fallout of yesterday.
He didn't look up when I entered, but as I sat down, he rose abruptly, leaving the hall with quick strides. I forced myself to focus on my classes, yet my thoughts kept circling back to those haunting black eyes.
That evening, I opted to skip studying; it seemed futile when my thoughts were in disarray. The soft flicker of the firelight called me back to the dormitory early, where I hoped to find some solace. As I settled into an armchair, a sudden fluttering at the window caught my attention. A sleek black owl landed with an elegant grace, a note clutched in its beak.

Miss Blackwell,
Please arrive at my office at 8 PM this evening.
Regards,
Professor Severus Snape.

My stomach twisted at the thought of facing Snape again. There was no escaping this; I needed to confront the situation head-on. I wrapped a thick coat around me against the night chill and made my way through the dim corridors.

I knocked lightly on his office door, which swung open without resistance. Snape sat in his usual chair, but instead of grading essays, he held a glass of firewhiskey, the newspaper folded neatly in front of him.

"May I have one as well, sir?" I asked, trying to lighten the tension.

"Feel free," he replied, his voice dripping with indifference.

I poured a small measure into a glass and took a seat across from him, waiting for him to break the silence. Seconds dragged into what felt like an eternity until he finally spoke.

"What you witnessed yesterday was not meant for your eyes," he said, his tone calm but edged with something darker.

"You made that very clear, Professor," I replied, feeling a flicker of defiance.

Another silence enveloped us, thick with unspoken thoughts. Finally, I mustered the courage to ask, "Why did you summon me?"

He shifted slightly, discomfort flickering across his features. "We need to address... our engagement."

I took a large sip from my glass, letting the warmth settle my nerves. "As I stated yesterday, I want to break this off. It's not going to work, and I refuse to put anyone in further danger."

"Miss Blackwell, I, too, am reluctant about this arrangement. However, it may be our only option."

I frowned, the weight of his words settling heavily in the air. "Dumbledore is concerned that if I'm not bound to you through marriage, I might be tempted to turn to the dark side. This isn't just about loyalty; it's about control. A marriage won't change my mind."

He leaned forward, intensity in his gaze. "This arrangement is not merely about safety; it holds greater significance than you may comprehend."

"So, you think I'm incapable of understanding the reasons behind this, yet you expect me to marry you for precisely those? Do you realize what you're asking of me?" Anger flared within me, fueling my defiance

"I can't offer you much, but I will do my best to make this as bearable as possible," he said, his eyes finally meeting mine. In that moment, I felt a flicker of comfort.

"Thank you," I replied, holding his gaze.

"We should establish some rules if we are to proceed. Are you willing?" he asked, his expression shifting back to its familiar detachment.

"If that's the only way," I said, my voice tinged with uncertainty.

"I assure you it is," he replied firmly.

"Then let's outline the rules," I said, trying to inject a note of optimism into the heavy atmosphere.

Snape straightened his back, adopting his authoritative demeanor. "You will have your own room in my chambers. Sleeping in the dorm would raise too many suspicions should we receive visitors."

I nodded quietly, accepting this as a necessary compromise.

"Furthermore, we will need to present ourselves as engaged during official events. This is non-negotiable."

I swallowed hard, the implications of his words sinking in. "I can manage that, sir," I said, though my discomfort was palpable.

"I have no interest in your personal life, but I cannot tolerate any indiscretions during our engagement—especially concerning Weasley. This must be clear."

Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Understood." I couldn't deny I had grown fond of Ron, even if it was just a comfort we shared.

"I want my time at Hogwarts to feel normal, Professor. That matters to me."

"I have no intention of interfering with your life," he replied, his tone sharp.

"And I don't want to do more than necessary." I said uncomfortably

"It may be difficult for you to grasp, but I have no interest in anything beyond the confines of this arrangement." His words cut deeper than I expected, though I tried to mask my response.

"I suppose I'll agree,"I said, though uncertainty lingered in my voice.

"I'll handle the necessary arrangements. Be prepared," he replied, scribbling something on a piece of parchment.

"You may leave now."

"Good night, Professor," I said, closing the door behind me, a wave of anxiety and apprehension washing over me.