Devotion (Snape × Student OC)

32

He stepped outside the shop, carrying his books in a paper bag, he glanced around in search, yet we had already departed moments ago. Gentiana teased me, her grin growing as I continued to hold her hand and lead us down the street.

"Why didn't you want to face him? Is he no longer your favorite professor?"
"I-" I started, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Of course, Professor Snape is still my favorite. I just didn't want to make a fool of myself in front of him again.

But the words refused to leave my lips, and instead, I merely let out a scoff, looking away from Gentiana "I'm not afraid, I just didn't want to bother him." desperately trying to mask my true feelings. "You made the right decision. He seemed to be in a rather grumpy mood."

I exhaled, silently mulling over the fact that even his grumpy attitude was endearing to me "When do you want to head back home?" She glanced at her watch, which read 11:43 AM, and asked "Are you sure you don't want to buy anything, Sue?" With a shake of my head, I responded "No, I think it's best if we return home now."

Gentiana grabbed my hand and, using an apparition spell, we instantly returned to our home. Teddy was waiting for us, wiggling his tail expectantly. His suspecting eyes darted between us, seeking reassurance "It's us, Teddy." I assured him "don't be alarmed."

The image of Snape in the Diagon Alley remained firmly etched in my mind, mingling with the other memories of him that I held dear. I couldn't help but constantly replay those moments in my thoughts, dwelling on every detail and overanalyzing them. Even the less pleasant ones seemed precious to me.

When the holidays concluded, we returned to the school, and life resumed its normal rhythm once again. With Teddy remaining at home with Gentiana, my routine continued as usual. I mostly kept to myself, not indulging in much social interaction with other people. However, I couldn't help but notice Hermione walking alone on numerous occasions.

She seemed to be heading to the library or Hagrid's hut. I couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. Is there some issue between her, Harry, and Ron? Perhaps they've had a falling out. The common room was bustling with excitement as everyone prepared for the upcoming match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, and the arrival of Harry's new Firebolt.

Hermione was engrossed in completing her assignment in the common room. she seemed to be isolating herself. I approached her and took a seat beside her, greeting her gently "Hi, Hermione. Is everything okay?" She responded briefly without looking up "Yes..." Something didn't seem right to me, and I leaned in closer "Hermione, please be honest with me. I can sense that something is bothering you. Please tell me."

Hermione halted in her writing, avoiding my gaze as if she was hesitant to open up to me. Her silence prompted me to speak, my eyes fixed on an indeterminate spot. "Did someone bother you? Was it Malfoy?" However, when I turned to face her, I noticed a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

She quickly looked away and continued, "No...it's Harry and Ron. On the first morning of Christmas, Harry received a Firebolt from an unknown sender, and when I voiced my concerns to Professor McGonagall about the possibility of it being cursed, she confiscated it. Ever since then, Harry and Ron have been upset with me."

She paused, but I knew she had more to say. I waited patiently, Hermione's expression twisted with frustration as she added, "But it wasn't just that... A few days later, Ron showed me his bloodied bedspread. He claimed Scabbers was missing, and he accused Crookshanks of having killed his old rat!"

I gasped, my eyes casting down as I thought of how fortunate I was not to have been here during the holidays. If I had been, surely Ron would have made the same accusations about Teddy.
"It was never your fault, Hermione! Crookshanks simply follows his natural instincts as a cat."