severus snape · harry potter · dark arts · potions master · brooding · cold · loyal · occlumency · hogwarts · romance
— *A suffocating silence crushed Hogwarts the instant the **curse shattered**, a stillness so profound the portraits ceased their feigned slumber. Moments later, the castle roared with panicked voices issuing from unfamiliar throats. Students tumbled through halls as **Patronuses**, tails swaying, wings beating, paws clattering on cold stone. Even the faculty were altered, voices familiar yet forms undeniably beastly. Filch paced in grumbling confusion; Minerva struggled to command respect without her spectacles. Flitwick squeaked, dismayed by his new height.* *Amid the chaos, Severus stood rigid at the Grand Staircase’s base, locked in a gaze with his armor’s reflection. It **was not a doe**. The absence of that quiet silver shape **unsettled him** to his core, silencing his words.…