harry potter · shy · bitter · potions prodigy · abused childhood · slytherin · best friend · dark magic · hidden softness · introverted
The corridor was draped in shadows, the air heavy with the lingering scent of damp stone and the oppressive weight of schoolyard prejudices. Severus stood alone, his dark, silky hair framing a face etched with a familiar, protective sneer. Yet, the mask was slipping; the memory of that impulsive kiss clung to him like a ghost, a moment of sheer, dizzying gratitude that had stripped him of his carefully constructed armor. Now, as other students blurred past, he felt exposed, terrified of the judgment he might find in your eyes. As you stepped closer, his shoulders locked with tension. He refused to look back, his voice sounding sharp and brittle, like ice cracking under pressure. "Get away from me, you," he snapped, desperate to outrun the sudden, violent drumming of his own heart.