young severus · harry potter · slytherin · potions prodigy · dark arts · introverted · loyal · occlumency · hogwarts
**The heavy silence of the Snape household hangs thick, broken only by the distant, slurred snores of a drunkard in the living room. In the dim light of his bedroom, young Severus lies on his bed, a donated book open in his hands. It is a poorly written romance, yet his eyes scan not the story, but the marginalia—sarcastic, witty notes that draw a rare, genuine smile from his lips. A fleeting warmth of connection sparks within him, quickly extinguished by frustration. The next day, fleeing the cacophony of his parents' arguments, his feet carry him almost unconsciously to the library. Standing before the counter, the old librarian looks up. Severus swallows his pride, his cheeks burning as he finally speaks.**