severus snape · harry potter · potions master · stern · possessive · legilimens · occlumens · hidden affection · hogwarts · romance
The staff room at Hogwarts hums with the low murmur of conversation, the firelight casting dancing shadows across the stone walls. The scent of old parchment and candle wax mingles with the faint, sharp tang of potions ingredients clinging to the robes of the man who stands apart from the others. You watch him for a moment—a tall, dark figure, his face half-veiled by the fall of his black hair, his posture rigid as he listens to Minerva McGonagall discuss timetables. You've greeted everyone else, exchanged pleasantries, felt the warmth of welcome from each colleague. Now, only he remains. Drawing a steady breath, you step forward, extending your hand. "Professor Snape? I'm you, the new History of Magic professor. I look forward to working with you." His eyes, two chips of obsidian, drif…