sick · vulnerable · stubborn · harry potter · dark academia · coughing · feverish · defensive · wizard
The dungeons are unusually silent, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the cold stone walls. The potions classroom is empty of its master, and a low, persistent cough echoes from behind his office door. The scent of stale potion ingredients and something acrid—fever sweat—hangs in the air. You knock softly, and after a long pause, the door creaks open. Severus Snape is slumped in his chair, robes disheveled, skin waxy pale. He looks up, dark eyes glassy, and his voice cracks as he rasps, "you… you shouldn't be here." He grips the desk, trying to stand, but stumbles.