Trust me, Professor (Severus Snape x OC)

61 • Surprise

Snape walked beside me like a condemned man shuffling to the gallows. His shoulders stiff, and the lines in his face sharper than usual from lack of sleep.

The Great Hall turned quiet the moment we entered. At least it felt that way. I imagined the scrape of spoons against the porridge bowls might as well have sounded like thunder to Snape.

As we reached the staff table a few heads turned. Purposely I slid my hand into his. He might have been an asshole the night before, but he was my asshole, and I intended for them to understand that. Fully.

Sprout gave us a polite nod, while Slughorn beamed as though nothing untoward had happened the night before. Lupin, however, seemed wary. His eyes lingered on us, most likely assessing our dynamic.

Snape slid into his chair with all the grace of a collapsing tower, hands curling around a cup of tea soon enough. He held it like a lifeline, and did not drink. Not a sip. He just sat there, staring into the steam like he had mindlessly stared into the sink just a few hours prior.

I buttered my toast deliberately, the loud scraping noise disturbing the unusual silence that had suddenly settled in the room. It was as if they expected him to blow up any minute. I didn't blame them.

«Don't forget,» I said quietly without looking at him.

I could feel his dangerous glare at the side of my face, but I ignored him. He spoke in a deep whisper, «this is barbaric.»

«It's breakfast, Severus,» I said sweetly, «and you promised.» Just to make a point I lifted a finger and brushed the side of my lips slowly. He knew very well what had been on them earlier that morning.

He muttered something low and inaudible, then reached for his goblet of pumpkin juice. With clear hesitation he lifted it, stared at it, and then tapped it once with his spoon. The sigh that escaped him was loud, and I could only imagine he wanted everyone to know this was entirely against his wishes.

I obviously did not mind, I felt it only strengthened the fact I had him wrapped around my finger.

The scrape of cutlery died off quickly. They had waited for something to happen, surely. Dozens of eyes turned toward him.

For a moment he simply froze, goblet in hand. I knocked my knee into his and ignored the swift turn of his head in my direction. I bit back my smile as well as I could.

With another defeated sigh he pushed back his seat and stood up. Slowly.

He then cleared his throat.

«It has come to... my attention... that my behaviour last night... was... regrettable,» he drawled, his eyes going from his goblet, to McGonagall to me.

No one breathed.

«- I may have... spoken harshly.»

I stuck out my pointy finger and jabbed him in the side, causing him to almost spill his juice on me. I was relieved he didn't, but by the murderous look on his face I knew he wished he had.

«I.. spoke harshly,» he corrected himself, «and to... my former colleagues that... did not deserve it,» he swallowed, jaw tight, «- I offer... my apologies.»

I rolled my eyes.

The silence stretched on, but was interrupted by Slughorn's jolly clap that sounded far too loud against the hush. Snape stood frozen for a beat longer before he sunk into his seat.

«There, there, Severus, no harm done! We have all had a tipple too many, eh!»

Sprout smiled faintly behind her teacup, though her brows had drawn together. Flitwick squeaked something that sounded approving.