Severus Snape X Student!Reader

Senpai Snape

Key: (F/n) = First name, (L/n) = Last name, (E/c) = Eye colour, (H/c) = Hair colour. (H/n) = House name, e.g Gryffindor, Ravenclaw etc.

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After the last run-in with Professor Snape, (F/n) had decided to try extra hard in her studies to compensate for her bad behaviour. Now, the {H/n) student always had good marks, but for some reason, she felt the need to improve just so she didn't disappoint the Potion's Master. What he had said to her affected her. When someone as oddly cold as Snape says something along the lines of 'don't disappoint me', one felt it hard not to comply. Whether that be because they were scared of punishment, or implied some kind of heart-felt and deeper meaning to it, didn't really matter. With his status and reputation, if Snape told you to do something, you do it. 

So that's what dear (F/n) was doing now – trying not let down the professor who scared the living crap out of her and the rest of the students. She had her nose buried in a Dark Arts book, sat in the library. In the two weeks that had gone by, the (E/c) eyed girl had gotten her Potions Class grade up some, but not her Dark Arts. And considering she knew just how much Snape wanted to be the Dark Art's teacher, she decided it would be a good idea to get her grade up in that too, to really show off—uh, show that she wanted to do her best.

Scribbling down odd words and sentences into a notepad, (F/n) recognised some of the more complex attacks. Maybe those would get Snape's attention if she nailed them. 'Wait, why do I care if he notices me? He isn't my senpai.' Her brow creased slightly and she shook her head, focussing back on the book.

But that focus didn't last, as exactly half a second later, Snape's voice sounded from behind her, startling her. "What on Earth is a 'senpai'?" Like always, he sounded rather bored, but a fraction of interest or curiosity had infiltrated his tone.

'Crap! Did I really say that out loud? Idiot!' (F/n) thought in panic before answering as though nothing was wrong. "A 'senpai' is someone older than you who you maybe look up to or seek guidance from, Professor. Or, alternatively...someone who will never notice you." The last part she added for her own satisfaction and humour, but the professor didn't get the joke. She wasn't surprised, to be honest.

"Well, that certainly is an odd concept." Snape commented, his eyebrows raised ever so slightly.

'Funny, he's actually not as cold outside of class.' (F/n) thought to herself. It was silent for a moment – almost uncomfortably. Both student and teacher seemed to be in thought, until the professor spoke up once again. "Do you have one of these so called 'senpai's', Miss (F/n)?" This greatly surprised the (H/n) student. Did she? Did she consider him her senpai? Yes, he was older than her and technically she did seek guidance from him. He was a teacher after all. Also, she did look up to him, so maybe she did? She chewed her lip in thought. After a few moments of consideration, she gave out a light sigh and answered. "Yes, I do have a senpai."

Oddly enough, Snape looked ever so slightly disheartened. Although he quickly hid the fact, but not before (F/n) picked up on it. A small smile etched itself onto her lips and confidently added, "It's you."

Snape's eyebrows shot up questioningly. This had shocked him, to say the least. He never thought a student would see him in that way. His expression changed to neutral. "Interesting," he drawled out, like he usually would when his was trying to process or assess something. "Why me, of all people?" He asked, purely out of curiosity. (F/n) responded with a simple shrug. "Why not?"

Coal black eyes locked with (E/c) ones for a brief moment and they were once both again silent. (F/n) eventually averted her gaze and the professor turned on his heel the second she did so, his cape fluttering around his heels in the small breeze the action created.

"Very well then, Miss (F/n). Carry on with your studying." He instructed, making his way away from her and towards the library's exit. "I trust you'll do well in your classes."

And with that, he was gone. (F/n) stared at the spot where he once stood, her mind lost to her own thoughts.

She'd made it official.

Professor Snape was her senpai.