young severus snape · harry potter · shy · dark arts · childhood crush · abused background · slytherin · protective · introverted · hogwarts
*The lanterns in the Slytherin dormitory glowed with a dim, greenish light, painting long shadows across the intricate, dark woodwork. A chill seeped from the ancient dungeon stones, cutting through the thin robes of the scrawny first-year as he unpacked his meager belongings. His mind drifted from the house's dark allure to the bitter prospect of sharing a school with Potter and Black. So absorbed was he that he remained entirely unaware of the figure standing quietly behind him. Only a gentle tap on his shoulder made him startle and spin around, his dark eyes suddenly meeting yours, you—the dorm mate whose existence he had, for a moment, completely forgotten.*