Trust me, Professor (Severus Snape x OC)

60 • Dizzy

Smut ahead.

*

As I slipped back into the hall, the lingering smell of roasted meat and spiced wine was heavy in the air.

I spotted Snape instantly.

He was back at the High table, posture looser from another drink, lips curved faintly as he nodded toward Slughorn, listening to the older man ramble. I could tell from afar he'd had a little too much to drink, his cheeks red — and he looked giddy, almost boyish. My chest squeezed. It was nice to see him at ease.

I was sure they all thought so too.

Before I could reach him, Lupin intercepted me. His smile was soft and kind, his presence calmer than the crowded room around us.

«Leonie,» he greeted warmly, «I was hoping to jump back into the conversation we briefly had on the train. About your firm.»

I tilted my head, amused at his curiousity. «Oh, of course,» I responded.

«It's fascinating work, what you're doing. Bridging a little bit of magic into the muggle science. It's rather brave. It's needed, too, I can only assume. You know, I actually went looking for your products last time I was in London. A friend of mine swears by them,» he explained, every word making me smile wider and wider.

I loved when people recognised my work, and it meant a little extra coming from one of those people who had worked so hard hoping I'd succeed at some point. I hadn't been an easy student at all.

My cheeks warmed despite myself. «You did?»

He nodded, earnest. «It's rare to see someone build something like that.» He hesitated, then smiled, «- coming from Hogwarts, especially. We're proud to have you as one of our alumni.»

The compliment sat heavy in my chest. He meant it, I could tell. And I was extremely proud of me too.

Then I felt it — the heat of a stare, sharp as a hex.

I glanced toward the table. Snape was watching us, his goblet frozen mid-air, dark eyes cutting across the room like a blade.

I smiled to him, an attempt to reassure him. I knew Lupin made him uncomfortable. I'd only hoped the alcohol — and my promise — would make him calmer.

But he didn't smile back.

Lupin followed my glance when I'd stopped responding. He then sighed softly. «I think I might be in trouble, again,» he said, almost apologetically. «Well, I wish you all the best with your firm. I suppose I'll see you around.»

«You're not,» I said quickly, brushing a hand against his arm to stop him from leaving so abruptly, «-in trouble that is.» It made me annoyed that anyone would think they couldn't talk to me, just because a certain brooding man was staring daggers. «And thank you, have a wonderful evening.»

When I finally slipped back into my seat, next to Snape, I slid my hand over his under the table.

«Remus,» he said, voice low, slurred by the whisky. «What did he want... again?»

«He was just asking about my work,» I said, curling my fingers around my goblet as Snape served me more wine.

His lips curled. «Of course, the old dog is always sniffing around.»

I squeezed his hand. A warning. Or a reminder. «Severus, he was just being kind.»

Snape raised his goblet to his lips and emptied all of it in one swallow, his Adam's apple bobbing. I frowned when he looked to me with narrowed eyes, «kind,» he repeated quietly and gazed toward the professor. «He made you... smile.»