Severus Snape: "__" Would Include...

Severus Being Snape-ish to His (Future) S/O

How was it that he still frightened you? After all, you were a Professor now–not a student to be scolded. As you entered the hall, peering at the fresh faces of another school year, you made a resolution. You'd vanquish your fear of Professor Severus Snape. After all, he's just a man.

. . . 

Glowing jack-o-lanterns floated lazily above, replacing the usual candles. They bobbed in the levitating current of magic, an orange light shone through the carved faces, leaving the great hall darker than usual. With the ghostly reenactments and ancient walls, Halloween had come to Hogwarts with sentient ease.

You took your seat and smiled at Snape in greeting. "Professor," you said. You lifted a hand to your mouth, covering a yawn.

"Professor Towler," he drawled. Though he didn't smile, a single brow rose.

When you recovered, you lifted your goblet. "How are you?"

"Well enough. And yourself?"

"Oh, I'm alright," you said breezily. You studied your drink. "Are you looking forward to Halloween?"

He merely lifted that brow again.

You smirked. "Right, of course." You took a sip of juice, then set the cup down. After a moment, you gave another yawn.

"Professor Towler, I do hope you're not in danger of falling asleep."

"Hmm? Oh, no, don't worry. I'm just a bit tired. It's been a long day."

"You look terrible."

"Professor Snape," you gasped, placing a hand over your heart. "You seem to have a knack for lowering my self-esteem." He didn't reply. "Perhaps you could teach me how to make a potion that will help with my exhaustion?"

"As I recall, you dislike potions."

You sighed. "No, I just don't like potions class. If I understood enough about potion-making, I'm sure I'd enjoy it. I just haven't learned enough to license creativity."

He lifted a brow, clearly unimpressed. "How generous of you. In any case, I already brew a revitalizing potion for many of the staff members. Adding another name to the list shouldn't be too much trouble."

"Thank you." A moment of silence dragged between you. "Your class is enjoyable, though, sir," you found yourself blurting out. "Well...perhaps not in the traditional sense, as you can be very intimidating...like right now," you muttered under your breath, "...but you're a wonderful teacher. You know so much about potion-making, all the intimate details that one learns through experience as opposed to a book. That's what I meant by saying that if I knew more about potions I would enjoy it. I just don't know enough to truly appreciate all the experience you have."

"Professor Towler."

"Yes?"

"As much as I enjoy your clumsy attempt to flatter me, I am well aware of the acquired taste that is potions."

You scowled. "I'm not trying to flatter you."

Up went a single brow. "No?"

"No. I'm just telling the truth."

"Are all Hufflepuffs such suck-ups, or are you just overtly Hufflepuff?"

You narrowed your eyes, studying him for a long moment. "Why do I feel like you might be joking?"

"Because you cannot stand the idea of someone disliking you."

"Well, that was hurtful. Still..." You turned your head away in suspicion. "I feel like you'd be much meaner if you didn't like me."

"Think what you like," he replied over the rim of his goblet. "It makes no difference to me."

You studied him with narrowed eyes. I'm onto you, Snape...