autumn | severus snape

twenty nine

Ophelia knelt beside a patch of Flutterby Bushes, her hands carefully working to loosen the soil around their roots. The gentle hum of the greenhouse was soothing, punctuated by the occasional rustle of leaves or the soft chirp of enchanted insects flitting about.

Draco leaned against one of the workbenches, arms crossed, watching her with mild amusement as she focused on her task.

"You know," he said casually, "I don't know how you do this. All this dirt and mess, it's so... Hufflepuff of you."

Ophelia rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "And yet, you're still here," she replied, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

Draco smirked. "Fair point. It's surprisingly entertaining, watching you fuss over plants."

Ophelia chuckled softly, turning back to her work. After a moment of silence, her expression grew more thoughtful, her movements slowing.

She glanced up at Draco, her expression hesitant. "Can I ask you something?"

Draco straightened slightly, noting the change in her tone. "Go on," he said, his curiosity piqued.

"What do you know about Alaska Brown?"

Draco's brow furrowed, and he pushed off the workbench, stepping closer. "The new Muggle Studies professor?" He shrugged. "Not much, why?"

Ophelia hesitated for a moment, chewing on the inside of her cheek. "There's just... something about her. She asked me these weird questions a few weeks ago, even mentioned Snape like she knew something. It was unsettling."

Draco crossed his arms over his chest. "Unsettling how?"

Ophelia sat back on her heels, wiping her hands on her apron as she looked up at him. "I don't know," she admitted, her brow furrowing. "She was just so... polished. Friendly, but in this way that felt like a performance, you know?"

Draco smirked faintly, though his expression was thoughtful. "That's most of the faculty here, isn't it? Polished, performing... hiding secrets."

"True," Ophelia said with a small laugh, though her unease remained. "But it felt different. Like she was targeting me specifically."

"Well, she is a professor," he pointed out, his tone light. "Maybe she's just a curious sort."

"Maybe," Ophelia murmured, though the unease in her voice was unmistakable.

Draco studied her for a moment, then sighed. "I can ask around," he offered. "See if there's anything unusual about her background. Though I wouldn't worry too much, Hogwarts isn't exactly known for straightforward hiring processes."

Ophelia snorted. "You don't say."

"Now, do me a favor and stay out of trouble for at least one afternoon, will you?" Draco said with a smirk. "I've got enough on my plate without having to explain why you've hexed a professor."

"No promises," she teased.

Draco laughed, brushing the dirt off his sleeve. "I mean it, Ophelia. I'm not getting dragged into your mess this time."

Ophelia rolled her eyes. "When have you ever been dragged into anything I—"

The sound of the greenhouse door opening cut her off. Both of them turned toward the entrance, the conversation forgotten as Snape stepped inside, his black robes swirling slightly as he moved with his usual deliberate grace.

The atmosphere shifted immediately.

"Professor," Draco greeted, straightening from his relaxed position.