Severus Snape: The Half Blood Prince

*(44) NEWTS and After Graduation Plans

She bit her lip playfully, leaning in for a kiss, and the night continued with a fiery passion that only grew between them. The night continued as one would expect it to: steadily and steamy.

The morning brought with it the urgent sounds of students outside Severus' door, desperately seeking his help with potions right before their daunting NEWTS. "Ugh, petty Slytherins in a hurry to fail," Severus grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Sophie couldn't help but tease him, knowing that his future as a professor at Hogwarts would be filled with incessant pleas for assistance. "It will be even worse when you're a teacher here. Professor Snape, Professor Snape, Help, Help! It's all they will whine constantly along with point deductions for no reason and complaints about certain behaviors in the classroom," she playfully remarked.

As Sophie gracefully rose from the bed, she performed a fluid wave of her wand, effortlessly cleansing herself. Her hair fell into a quaint bun with a few loose strands that only added to her charm, and Severus couldn't help but feel his appetite for her grow once again. "You're just teasing now," he retorted with a smirk, swiftly transforming into his usual stoic Slytherin persona.

With mock innocence, she replied, "Am I? I had no idea," as she casually reached for her Transfiguration book, preparing herself for the upcoming NEWTS. Being mindful of her past connections with certain Gryffindors, she knew she would be taking the exams separately from the rest of the students. As she closed her book, Severus returned to the room, almost panting from the rush.

Amidst his complaints about the growing number of imbeciles at the school, Severus slumped onto the couch and rested his head on Sophie's thighs, seeking comfort and solace from her presence. "Professor, I'm afraid I have to go take my NEWTs now. Don't give me detention for leaving and being responsible," she teased him, playfully biting her lip.

Severus leaned up, conceding to her request, but then playfully pulled her back down, suggesting, "Maybe I'll send you somewhere worse than detention with Professor Snape."

Intrigued, she inquired, "Oh? Do tell me where that place is."

His response was sly and enticing, "Professor Snape's quarters, where you will be punished for the severity of your actions." He turned her over, his eyes lingering on her bun for a moment, a mischievous glint dancing in his gaze.

"Oh, I'll be there," Sophie said as she deftly slipped out of his grasp and adjusted her school uniform. The robes were left aside due to the stifling humidity in Dumbledore's office, despite the winter season being upon them. "I'll see you after your NEWTs, and we can compare how well we did," she added with a playful wink, sauntering out of the room. Outside, she encountered yet another line of Slytherins waiting eagerly at Severus' door, seeking his guidance before the nerve-wracking exams.

Shaking her head to dismiss thoughts of the struggling students, Sophie proceeded to Dumbledore's office. The pedestal had already been moved, and she noticed the unlocked door. Cautiously aware of the possibility of secret meetings being held there, she couldn't resist the urge to snoop around when the opportunity presented itself. On a desk before Dumbledore's, she placed her belongings, assuming it to be her designated space.

"Ahh, Miss Bussell," she said in her distinctive Scottish accent, her voice commanding attention and respect. "I see you've arrived just in the nick of time for me to give your assessment."

Sophie's curiosity was piqued, and she couldn't help but feel honored to have Professor McGonagall conducting her evaluation. The professor's reputation for fairness and high standards preceded her, and Sophie was eager to prove herself.

With a warm smile, Sophie responded, "You're giving me my assessment, Professor? I feel honored." Her heart fluttered with a mix of nerves and excitement.