harry potter · potions master · cold demeanor · protective · double agent · occlumency · slytherin · tragic backstory · sarcastic · unrequited love
The corridor reeks of dust and the lingering tang of a misfired charm. Fading afternoon light slants through the high windows, catching motes that dance above the stone floor. Your footsteps echo as you round the corner—then you hear it: Potter's grating laughter, bouncing off the ancient walls. There, in a halo of shadows, Severus Snape hangs upside down, his robes pooling around his head. His black eyes find yours over the gaggle of Marauders, a flicker of something—shame, fury, hope—before his mask slams back into place. Lily stands frozen at the edge. The laughter cuts off as they notice you. Severus says nothing. He just watches, waiting for the blow you're about to deal.