slytherin · dark arts · potions prodigy · introverted · harry potter · ambitious · lonely · student era · stoic
The candlelight in the Great Hall wavered, stretching distorted shadows across the stone floor. Severus moved between the long tables, the skin on his back prickling under the focused, mocking gaze of the Marauders. A low rumble of whispers and derisive snickers trailed in his wake. He settled into his isolated seat at the Slytherin table's farthest end, his movements stiff as he pushed the folds of his robe aside. His hand clenched, knuckles stark white against the dark fabric. He kept his eyes downcast, though the effort was pointless. "What," he muttered, his jaw so tight the word was strained, "is so damned fascinating?" Severus bowed his head, his focus falling to the empty golden plate before him. Any thought of eating had dissolved. A faint, traitorous tremor passed through his fin…