starlight-sev

[starlight-sev]

Severus snape x reader.

Severus use a legilimemcy on reader. She finds out by Severus answering something she hasn't said yet. She is little bit in shock but in good way.

Thank you for the request anon! I love this idea so much!!

I hope you enjoy the little fic I wrote inspired by your request. You can find it here: Legilimency, and Other Secrets

Happy reading, and thank you again for requesting! :)

[starlight-sev]

Legilimency, and Other Secrets (Teen!Snape x Reader)

Request: Severus snape x reader. Severus use a legilimency on reader. She finds out by Severus answering something she hasn't said yet. She is little bit in shock but in good way.

Requested by anon

A/N: I've always wondered, how did Severus begin learning Legilimency? Was it always a skill he had? Was it something he did for fun in his spare time, or was it more for survival?

This lil fic goes into the lighter side of it -- what if it really did just start out as a fun lil hobby for him? hehe enjoy :)

Severus was acting strange lately.

You couldn't put your finger on it, not exactly, but there was something different about him. He seemed quieter than normal. More solemn. You saw it in the way he'd complete his assignments in the library, he'd be halfway through a sentence and then he'd abruptly stop writing. His jaw would clench ever-so-slightly, and then he'd start glaring at his parchment as if he were trying to burn a hole right through it.

"You're staring again." Severus's low voice snapped you back into reality. You blinked, folding your arms across your chest as you leaned back in your chair.

"You're doing that thing again." You retorted.

"What thing?"

"I don't know, you're staring at your assignment as if it might snap up and bite your face off any second."

"I'm concentrating." He replied slowly, picking up his quill and going back to writing. You sighed, not fully satisfied with Severus's answer, and went back to reading.

Almost like clockwork, it happened again. Mid-sentence, Severus stopped writing and stared at his assignment. You glanced up with a frown, observing the distant look that filled his eyes.

"You're doing it again, Y/N."

"So are you!" You exclaimed, only to wince a moment later as a few aggressive shushes filled the library. You leaned forward, lowering your voice to a whisper. "Severus, I swear on Merlin's beard, if Sirius is coming after you again-"

Severus rolled his eyes. "This has nothing to do with him. Or Potter, or anyone else."

"Then why are you acting so weird?"

As Severus opened his mouth to protest, you rolled your eyes.

"I've known you for seven years. You're my best friend, I can describe your routine in my sleep. Someone could break that window right over there and it still wouldn't interrupt you from writing. Don't even bother trying to tell me nothing's wrong."

You can be so stubborn sometimes.

Severus frowned, his gaze suddenly snapping up to you.

"Look who's talking." He retorted. "I'm stubborn? You're the one who won't ever let me help you with Potions, and you nearly failed the class last year because of it!"

You gaped at him as you slowly closed your book and pushed it out of the way.

Did you just...?

Severus swore under his breath and threw his quill down onto the table in resignation. He shook his head in defeat.

"Well, secret's out I guess." He shrugged, running a hand through his hair.

"What the bloody hell was that!?" You hissed. Your mind was reeling as you tried to find a logical explanation for what just happened. Severus responded with the tiniest smile.

"My latest project." He answered simply. "I was going to tell you eventually, but I wanted it to be perfect."

"Your latest project..." You shook your head in disbelief. "You mean to tell me that you've just been casually practicing Legilimency this entire time?"

Severus met your gaze, answering your question with nothing but a sheepish grin. You laughed in awe.

"Do it again." You nodded in encouragement. Severus rolled his eyes after a moment's pause.

"You have to think of something other than Legilimency first. At least make it somewhat of a challenge."

"Oh. Right." You looked down for a moment, concentrating on the first thought that popped into your mind. Something that would be hard for Severus to pick up on.

Your mind went to the Amortentia potion you had to make in class last month. One of the few things you had brewed properly. No one was obligated to share what theirs smelled like, and you decided to keep yours secret even though Severus had pestered you relentlessly about it. You never forgot its scent, though: amber and spices, something similar to cloves, and just a hint of something clean and soapy. Almost floral, now that you thought about it-

"Y/N..."

Your eyes met Severus's. His cheeks were tinged pink as he gaped at you without a word. You felt your own cheeks heat up as you looked away.

"I guess you saw that, huh?" You asked softly. Severus leaned forward, and you felt his gaze burning into you. His dark eyes seemed to glow with emotion intense enough to intimidate you. You had to look away. You were glad to be sitting down, the way he was gazing at you made your knees weak.

"It's bergamot." He whispered. You blinked, your eyes finally meeting his in confusion.

"Huh?"

"That floral scent you were wondering about," Severus laughed nervously, running a hand through his hair. "It's bergamot. I found the soap in Hogsmeade during our last outing there. I had no idea you noticed it."

You pressed your lips together, looking away. You had thought it would be funny, almost ironic, to reveal what your Amortentia smelled like. Now that it was actually happening, you weren't expecting things to get this real or intense.

Severus frowned in thought for a moment, before turning his gaze back to you.

"Um, could you look at me?" He asked softly. "I want to try something. And try not to blink."

Your heart raced, but you managed to maintain eye contact with him. Your chest tightened as you felt a nudge somewhere in the back of your mind. There was a pause that followed where everything inside you felt empty, and then suddenly you smelled it. Your soap, the scent of your laundry, and the lotion you'd sometimes use. All wrapped up in one.

Severus smiled, though there was still nervousness in his eyes, as you realized what was happening. He was in your mind, sharing his own memory with you. You were experiencing everything he did that day.

"Since you shared your Amortentia with me..." He said softly as the last few scents faded from your mind. There was a gentle pressure, almost like a little bubble being popped, as Severus left your mind. "I figured I might as well do the same."

"You just went into my mind." You gasped in awe. He nodded.

"I've never done that before. I needed your permission, through eye contact, I think. I have to admit, I didn't think it would work as well as it did. But... I guess my secret's out now."

"More than one secret, I would say." You laughed to try and shake off the shock and excitement that filled your heart. It did little to make any of your feelings dissipate.

"I'll be honest," Severus spoke softly, a touch of an anxious quiver perceptible in his voice. "I'm not too sure where to go from here."

"Me neither." You admitted honestly. "We're still friends, right? Like... knowing all this, does it change anything between us?"

Severus shook his head vehemently. "I don't want anything to change. At least, not for the worse. We're still friends. Definitely still friends."

You nodded, and a thought popped into your mind.

...Maybe more?

Severus glanced up at you, inhaling sharply. He blushed almost as soon as the thought crossed your mind, and you knew that he had heard you.

"Yeah." He breathed. "I'd like that."

[starlight-sev]

NSFW Alphabet (Severus Snape)

Here we are, back by popular demand!

18+ only for reasons obviously mentioned in title above. MDNI, please and thank you!

A = Aftercare (what they’re like after sex)

He gravitates to you immediately. Limbs intertwined, holding you close as if the world might end. Severus always needs to feel you, to have a hand on you in some way just to remind himself that you're real, that what the two of you just shared was real.

B = Body part (their favorite body part of theirs and also their partner’s)

Severus doesn't really like anything about himself. If you were to ask him to pick something, I'm pretty sure he'd just frown and close himself in emotionally a bit. He's still learning how to love himself that way.

He loves your hands -- being able to lace his fingers through yours, feeling you holding him close. It keeps him grounded.

C = Cum (anything to do with cum, basically)

I honestly think he'd feel really awkward and uncomfortable at first about finishing with you literally right there with him. He's not used to having someone else in the room.

Once he grows more comfortable with you though, Severus would want to cum inside you. His possessive side starts to show the more he's with you.

D = Dirty secret (pretty self explanatory, a dirty secret of theirs)

Sometimes he'll read your mind to figure out what fantasies you have and what you're willing to try. He's a bit too afraid to straight up ask you, so he'll use Legilimency on you.

You do notice it, that little nudge at the back of your thoughts that feels a little off. You know it's him, but you find it kind of sweet and hot in a way. So you keep it secret too.

E = Experience (how experienced are they? do they know what they’re doing?)

I would say Severus had a fair bit of experience after Hogwarts, during his time with the Death Eaters. He's good at the physical aspect of sex, but the emotional aspect is what throws him off.

He's not used to so many emotions at once, and the overwhelm makes him fumble a bit more than he would expect.

F = Favorite position (this goes without saying)

Having you on top. Severus is a switch but I really feel like he gravitates more towards being a sub when he's with you.

G = Goofy (are they more serious in the moment? are they humorous? etc.)

He's an anxious mess for the first few times with you. I feel like once he sees you laugh, or even just smile, it's enough to help him lighten up a bit and just be present with you.

H = Hair (how well groomed are they? does the carpet match the drapes? etc.)

Since being with you, he puts a bit more effort into self-care overall but it's not a super huge focus for him just yet. He's still learning how to prioritize himself without feeling uncomfortable doing so.

I = Intimacy (how are they during the moment? the romantic aspect)

Oh my god don't even get me started. Fingers lacing through yours, neck kisses, Severus murmuring your name over and over between breaths.

This man worships you.

J = Jack off (masturbation headcanon)

He'd only masturbate if he were desperate -- it was never something he felt he could enjoy and sometimes he still struggles with the guilt. He'd honestly much rather let that tension build up until you're able to be together again.

Be prepared to not get a single minute of sleep if that's the case ooo boy

K = Kink (one or more of their kinks)

One kink I think it would take Severus a while to work up the courage to tell you about is his desire to be blindfolded. To see only through touch and put all his trust in you.

One day, he'll tell you about it. But like everything else with Severus, it will take some time.

L = Location (favorite places to do the do)

In bed. He's much too careful to risk getting caught anywhere.

M = Motivation (what turns them on, gets them going)

Feeling your hands run through his hair. He's not sure why that gesture specifically turns him on so much, but he practically melts on the spot as soon as he feels your fingers.

Severus will very nearly fall apart if you tug his hair gently. It's his biggest weakness.

N = No (something they wouldn’t do, turn offs)

Nothing degrading, for either person. Hits too close to home, too many memories resurface. He's not a huge fan of BDSM either, for similar reasons.

O = Oral (preference in giving or receiving, skill, etc.)

Severus would much rather prefer to give than receive. He's still getting used to this whole trust and letting go thing when it comes to sex, and not to mention, where does he put his hands?? He's quite awkward about it when he's receiving, he overthinks everything. He's more comfortable giving, plus the sounds you make really turn him on.

P = Pace (are they fast and rough? slow and sensual? etc.)

Slow and sensual always except when he's had a particularly rough day, and you happen to visit while he's still emotionally charged.

Q = Quickie (their opinions on quickies, how often, etc.)

Not a fan. Reminds him too much of his Death Eater days. He'd much rather take his time with you, because you deserve that attention and love and care.

The only time I could see him taking you up on a quickie is if the two of you were at a party, and he had had a drink or two. Enough to get his mind off the past, at least.

R = Risk (are they game to experiment? do they take risks? etc.)

Depends on what it is. He's got constant fears that it'll either be triggering in some way, or he might hurt you. It would take a lot of talks and reassurance, but eventually he'll learn that you're a safe person, and you share a safe space together.

S = Stamina (how many rounds can they go for? how long do they last?)

I think one or two. Emotionally, it's a lot for him. Some days, he needs the aftercare more than he needs the sex itself.

T = Toys (do they own toys? do they use them? on a partner or themselves?)

No, but I could definitely see him inventing new spells to try on/with you after enough time together. Mostly on you, though. He's often finding new ways to please you beyond traditional means.

U = Unfair (how much they like to tease)

I feel like most of the time Severus does it unintentionally. He'll get too carried away with caressing your skin without realizing it, until you start quietly begging to get on with it already. He'd never admit it, but it turns him on.

V = Volume (how loud they are, what sounds they make, etc.)

He's pretty quiet, the most you'd get are gasps or your name moaned softly.

W = Wild card (a random headcanon for the character)

Severus can get possessive, and this is also when he becomes more reckless and risky. Sex at a party in a coat closet because he saw someone else trying to make a move on you? Absolutely. Pulling you into the darkness just long enough to leave a mark on your neck, reminding you of who holds your heart? There's no stopping him. Leaning in to whisper something to you, only to bite your ear gently as both reassurance and a warning? Hell yeah.

If he can't find a way to get you alone easily after seeing someone getting too close to you, you can bet he'd keep a hand on you at all times.

X = X-ray (let’s see what’s going on under those clothes)

Remember that scene from Order of the Phoenix? Yeah. Enough said.

Y = Yearning (how high is their sex drive?)

Severus does have his low moments, but they're less frequent since you've been in his life. Sometimes it's almost as if his sex drive keeps increasing. He just can't get enough of you.

Z = Zzz (how quickly they fall asleep afterwards)

Sleep has never come easy for him, but it takes a shorter time to fall asleep after sex than it usually does. It helps if you're the big spoon, too. That extra comfort makes a huge difference.

[starlight-sev]

SFW Alphabet (Severus Snape)

To try and get back in the habit of writing more regularly, I thought I'd give this a try. Enjoy!

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Severus is honestly pretty bad at showing affection at first. Not because it makes him uncomfortable, but because he's just never really experienced it before. It takes a while for him to learn from your own displays of affection, but once he gets the hang of it, he's like your own personal shadow (although he still won't do PDA).

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Becoming friends with Severus as teenagers at Hogwarts would be different from befriending him as adults. I think it would definitely be easier to earn his trust if the two of you knew each other when you were younger. He'd definitely be harder to connect with as an adult, but if you continued to show that he could trust you, he'd be unquestionably loyal as a best friend.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

He'd never admit it of course, but he loves it. Especially after a long day, either on the couch or in bed. He wouldn't really have a preference of how you cuddled, as long as he was able to hold you. I think it would be really grounding for him to be able to hold you in his arms, and cuddling would be something that Severus really valued.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

I don't think Severus would want to settle down until after the war -- mostly to not put you in danger. He'd try his best to not entertain the idea and get his own hopes up in fear of losing everything good that he has, including you. Only after the war would he finally allow himself to consider settling down with you. He'd also take a liking to cooking, seeing how similar it is to Potions. He's good at cleaning, except when it comes to his own workspace. It's organized chaos there.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Due to events in his past, Severus wouldn't be the best at breaking up. Ideally, if he's dating someone, it's for the long run. He's made his choice very carefully and he knows it's not something he can back out of lightly. One of the only situations I feel he'd break up with you is if your life was in danger as a result of him being associated with the Death Eaters. He'd most likely disappear out of your life overnight like a ghost, with nothing but a letter to let you know the reasoning behind his decision.

I still he'd still try to look for you in the future though, just to make sure you were okay.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

I feel like this is similar to the domesticity one earlier. Severus is in no rush to get married, mainly because why on earth would anyone want to marry him? It's a subject he can't seem to wrap his head around, and I think it would take some time living together in safety for him to see that he really does want to take that next step and marry you.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

I know I've mentioned this in previous posts, but Alan Rickman once said in an interview that he envisioned Severus as someone who never raises his voice. I stand by that, and I think that would translate to physical touch too. He's always gentle with you, as if he's worried that at any moment, you might break.

Emotionally, it's a bit of a different story. He's still trying to learn that he's safe, and that you won't leave suddenly. Sometimes he can be colder than he means to be, but overtime you'll melt his heart.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

You have no idea how touch starved Severus is. He’d never admit it, but he adores your hugs. He often holds your embrace for as long as he can, almost trying to memorize the way your arms wrap so effortlessly around him. He doesn’t often initiate hugs, but he’d never turn away from one offered.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Severus really isn't good with this sort of thing, so you'll see this translated more through his actions than his words. Making your favourite breakfast in the morning, taking a day off to spend with you after you'd had a bad day, holding you when he sees you need comfort without you needing to even ask, that sort of thing.

He'll always respond if you tell him you love him, though it might feel foreign to him at first. He's a bit more comfortable with it if you initiate.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Don't even get me started. Severus trusts you, but he doesn't trust other people. If he were to walk into a room and see you talking with someone else, especially if it were someone he didn't like from the start, he'd be right there in an instant. He'd place a hand on the small of your back, both to show who held your heart as well as to make sure you knew you were protected.

Once the two of you were alone, though, he'd make sure you knew you were his.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

I think it really depends on what the mood is. Sometimes his kisses are soft and reserved, as if you're made of glass and could crack at any moment, and other times it's as if you're his very lifeline.

I think he'd be quite fond of neck kisses, both giving and receiving.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

I think being around children reminds him too much of his work. Spending time with kids, and not in a teaching setting either, isn't something I can ever see him voluntarily wanting to do.

That being said, I think his heart would melt a little if he saw you with kids, if you liked them of course. He'd enjoy watching you interact with them more than he'd enjoy being with them himself.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Mornings are quiet and calm. Seveus is usually the first one awake, but he'd have your favourite drink ready to go by the time you wake up. He doesn't speak too much in the mornings, but he's content to just be in your presence. Sometimes he'll rest his hand over yours during breakfast, just to remind himself that you're real.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Whether it's sharing a drink before bed, or curling up together by the fire, I think Severus would always want to be close to you physically at night. Lots of soft touches, forehead kisses, things to keep him centred and grounded with you.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

I think if you got to know Severus as a young student, he'd share a lot with you in a short amount of time. I don't think he'd be aware of it though, given that he's never really had an outlet for all the things that happened throghout childhood.

Later on though, I think it would take him a long time to open up. It gets even more complicated when he's a double agent, because knowing too much could put your life at risk. I think you'd have to treat Severus like a riddle and use the pieces you witness to put his story together in full.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

There are only a few topics that set Severus off quite easily: his father, betrayal in general, and his commitment to Dumbledore.

He would never be angry at you though, unless it was something from the list above. Despite so many students being afraid of him, Severus does strangely have the patience of a saint... most of the time.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Severus remembers everything. I'm sure Legilimency has something to do with it, but he'll find a way to remember every detail especially when it comes to things that bring you joy, or your preferences.

He tries to forget his own past, so being able to remember details about you gives him a chance to give his mind a break from his own memories.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

When he realized you see him completely. Not just as someone to mock, or something to take your anger out on, or someone to use for their knowledge.

You see him for who he is, and when Severus finally realizes that for certain, a weight seems to drop off his shoulders. He'd live in your loving gaze for eternity, if he could.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

This man would sacrifice himself ten times over if it meant protecting you, and he wouldn't think twice about it. I don't think he'd let you protect him if he found out you were trying to -- if something were to happen to you in the process, he'd never forgive himself.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

I really feel like Severus would struggle with the concept of anniversaries at first. He never had adults in his life who set good examples and had a healthy relationship with each other. To him, it might as well be a story in a foreign language.

He'd be really good at the everyday things though, and I think that's because deep down he's got a gentle heart. Seeing you happy makes him feel safe and loved.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

I think the worst one is that he would shut down in conflict. His mind would jump to conclusions very quickly, and he'd go down some bad rabbit holes as a result.

Conflict resolution isn't exactly a strength of his, and I think it would take a lot of patience to properly talk through conflict with him once the intial emotions blow over. Every fight feels like the end of the world to him, and it'll take a lot of reassurance to let him know you're not going anywhere.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

I wouldn't say he's concerned in a vanity sense, more in an insecure way. You'll never see Severus actively fussing with his appearance, but his mind would be running a mile a minute about whether he looked presentable enough to you, whether or not he was still attractive to you, that sort of thing.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Severus once scoffed at the idea of having a soulmate. He didn't think it possible to ever feel as though he were incomplete without someone, because all his life he had been made to feel incomplete as-is. The longer he spends with you, the more he finally understands what it means to be whole.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

I think Severus is really good at reading body language. If you're in an uncomfortable situation, or upset and trying to hide it, he'll know right away. You barely need to speak what's on your mind, he'll know how you're feeling just by the way you open the door when you get home.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Very few things come to mind, but I don't think Severus would tolerate being someone who lies often. He needs stability from honesty, especially after what has happened in his past. I think he'd have a very low tolerance when it came to dishonesty in relationships.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

He often struggles with insomnia, especially after the war, so I think he'd spend a lot of nights just lying awake and holding you. It keeps his mind from racing too much.

On good nights when he's able to get some sleep, though, I think the two of you might unconsciously shift so that you're the one holding him through the night. That extra comfort helps him stay asleep.

aaaa should i do the nsfw alphabet now

[starlight-sev]

The Yule Ball (Teen!Snape x Reader)

Or, that time you made a hasty decision the day of the Yule Ball.

Word Count: 3,500

Warnings: social anxiety

“For the last time, I said I’m not going.”

You sighed in exasperation as you followed Severus down the hall. You had to nearly run to keep up with his strides as he made his way to the library.

“Come on, Sev!” You protested. “The Yule Ball only happens once every few years. We’re graduating at the end of the year, we’ll never have another chance like this-”

Severus scoffed as the two of you walked into the library. “Good.” He nearly spat out. “That’s one less thing I have to worry about while I’m here.”

You couldn’t help but glare at your best friend as the two of you settled in at the usual small table in the far corner of the library. There wasn’t much natural light, and despite your numerous suggestions to try sitting at another table, Severus remained adamant about sitting at this one. It was hidden out of sight and close to the restricted section, just how he liked it.

“Did you finish the Charms homework? I’ve got it next and I can’t figure out the last few questions. They’re worded stupidly.” Severus muttered as he unpacked a stack of books from his bag. You nodded absentmindedly, passing him your textbook and three sheets of parchment containing the answers. “Oh, thank Merlin,” he muttered. In turn, he handed you his potions textbook.

“Here.” He nodded. “Slughorn’s got the instructions all wrong, and we’re not allowed to work in pairs. I won’t be able to help you, so copy what I wrote to prepare for Monday’s assignment.”

You smiled gratefully for your friend’s help, and opened your own textbook to the matching page. You found it almost impossible to concentrate, however, and you found yourself doodling absentmindedly in the margins of your textbook instead.

“Don’t tell me you’re still thinking about that bloody Yule Ball.” Severus’s bitter tone snapped you out of your thoughts as his eyes shifted down to gaze scrutinizingly at your drawings. You sighed, silently cursing how well he knew you.

“Well…”

“Look, don’t let me stop you from going.” Severus threw his hands up defensively. “You go. Have fun or something. But don’t expect me to be there tonight.”

You frowned, earning a mirrored glare from your best friend. “It’ll be no fun without you.”

Severus breathed out a small laugh. “It’ll be no fun with me there either.”

“Sev!”

“What?” He asked innocently.

“I’m serious!” You exclaimed.

“So am I, Y/N!”

You leaned back in your chair and sighed. After a moment, Severus relented.

“Look, I’m sorry but it’s just not my thing.” He continued, his tone a little gentler this time. “You know I hate crowds. And chances are, Sirius and his stupid cult are going to be there too.”

You could’ve sworn you saw a flash of anxiety in Severus’s eyes for a moment.

“Besides,” he continued, looking down. “Who’d be insane enough to ask me to dance? No one’s bothered yet, and I doubt anything will change in the next five hours.”

You hated the way he laughed bitterly at himself, shaking his head as he went back to copying your Charms homework.

You took a deep breath. This wasn’t exactly the way you wanted to admit your feelings to Severus, but you didn’t want to leave the conversation where it was either.

“I’d want to dance with you.” You whispered softly, shutting your textbook and sliding it to the side. Severus flashed you a halfhearted smile as he kept writing.

“Thanks. But I don’t need you feeling sorry for me.”

“No,” you shook your head, frowning. You could feel your heart begin to pick up its pace, but nevertheless you continued. “I-I’m serious, I want to go with you.”

Severus paused his note-taking, but kept his head down. You could’ve sworn the entire library heard the way your heart was racing in those few moments before he spoke again.

“You want to go with me?” Severus asked softly, and your heart nearly broke at the disbelief that laced his tone. “With me? And not just as friends? Am I understanding that correctly?”

You nodded, unable to form any words.

Severus blinked. “Why?” He asked after another few quiet moments of processing your statement. “I’m not fun or anything.”

“Oh bloody hell Severus,” you mutter, letting your forehead rest against the desk with a small thunk. At least this way you could hide the heat that was quickly rising to your face. “It’s not just about you being fun. Do I really need to spell this out for you?”

“Yes, because I’m afraid I’m really not following.”

“I like you.” You managed to get out, albeit a bit muffled. “And I want you to be my date to the Yule Ball.”

“…is this why you haven’t shut up about the Yule Ball nearly all week?” Severus asked softly, his eyes widening in realization. You were ready to throw yourself out the nearest window, but of course Severus had to pick the spot in the library without any.

“Merlin, yes, fine. That’s the reason why I keep bringing it up.”

Severus frowned as realization dawned on his face. The faintest tinge of pink appeared on his cheeks as he gazed at you.

“Oh.”

Bloody hell, this was more painful than you had imagined.

“It’s fine,” you muttered hastily. “You really don’t have to go, it’s okay. I know it makes you uncomfortable, and you’ve made it clear already that you don’t want to go-”

“I’ll go with you.”

Your eyes widened as Severus cut you off quietly.

“Wait… really?”

He nodded. “Yeah. If this means so much to you that you want me there as your date and not just your friend, I’ll go.”

Your heart raced as your best friend’s words sank in. He said yes. You were going to the Yule Ball together.

The bell signalling the end of free period chimed gently throughout the library, and Severus began packing up his books. “I’m off to Charms. Thanks again for the answers. I’ll meet you in the Great Hall at six, bottom of the staircase.”

You managed a nod, and Severus gave your shoulder a small squeeze before walking out of the library. As you packed up your own things, you couldn’t help but replay the conversation over and over in your mind. Severus never outwardly admitted he liked you back, but he agreed to be your date tonight. Surely that was a good thing… right?

The next few hours leading up to the Yule Ball passed excruciatingly slowly. You could barely concentrate throughout the rest of your classes, and every passing minute seemed to stretch on for eternity. All you could think about was Severus. He really was going to be your date tonight.

By some long-awaited miracle, classes finally came to an end, and you soon found yourself standing in front of the full length mirror in your dorm. You smoothed your hands over your outfit nervously, shifting your body as you glanced at yourself from all angles.

You weren’t used to wearing such formal clothes. The outfit you chose had initially taken your breath away when you saw it in the shop window in Hogsmeade, with its elegant gold trim. But now that it was on you instead of the shop mannequin, now that it was almost time, you were having second thoughts. Would Severus think it was good enough? Would he like it?

You shook your head in frustration, trying your best to shake those thoughts out of your head. He was your best friend! You’d been inseparable since first year, why now of all times were you suddenly so worried about what he thought of you?

Well… you knew why. But you pushed those thoughts away.

With a sigh and one final tug of your outfit, you quickly slipped on your shoes and headed out of your common room towards the Great Hall. No going back now.

The corridors were filled with other students as they all began making their way down to the Great Hall with their dates. Some glanced at you briefly before continuing on. You felt exposed, and suddenly a part of you was beginning to regret going to the Yule Ball in the first place.

As you made your way down the stairs, you could spot Severus from a mile away. He had his back to you, and was dressed in all black. Unlike the majority of the other students, he wasn’t wearing a suit. Most likely due to the fact that he didn’t own one, and had no time to go looking for one between when you had asked him to the Yule Ball and now. But Merlin, he cleaned up nicely.

He wore a black silk dress shirt with a pair of black slacks, and had tied his hair back for the occasion. As you approached and tapped his shoulder gently, he turned around and you noticed he was wearing a simple silver chain over his shirt. You were so used to seeing him in his school robes most days, and old baggy jumpers on weekends, that this time Severus quite literally took your breath away.

Though he tried to hide it, you caught the way his eyes widened as he took in your own appearance. Severus fidgeted awkwardly with his hands, and you noticed he had even gone so far as to put on two silver rings to complement the chain he was wearing. You felt your cheeks heat up.

“Hi.” You managed to get out. Severus gave you a lopsided smile in return.

“Hello.”

You could feel your heart beating rapidly. In your mind this entire situation played out so smoothly, but now that you were here at the Yule Ball, with Severus as your actual date, it felt as though your brain was quickly shutting down all function. Severus nodded at your outfit.

“You look, uh, wow.”

You pressed your lips together, looking down. “God, it’s that bad isn’t it?”

“No!” Severus replied quickly, his eyes wide with worry. “No, that’s not… I just mean, you look really nice. Sorry.”

The awkward tension was broken ever so slightly as Severus laughed at himself, while you breathed out a tiny laugh of relief.

“I’m no good at this,” he shook his head. “Sorry.”

Severus lifted a hand to drag it through his hair as you often noticed he’d do when nervous, only to pause halfway once he realized his hair was all pulled back. Instead, he crossed his arms awkwardly over his chest.

“I really like your outfit.” You said softly. You could feel your nerves slowly fading away the longer you stood here with Severus. It was a relief to know you weren’t the only one who was more than a little scared. He gave you a small smile.

“I don’t own a suit, so this is the best I could do.”

“It’s really nice. And I like the way you did your hair.”

God, this was your best friend, the one person you spent hours nearly every day with! Why was it suddenly so hard to just be normal?

Severus nodded towards the Great Hall, where everyone had begun to gather in the middle of the large room. “Well, should we go in, then?”

You turned your head to gaze into the Great Hall, noticing the way everyone seemed to move around as if this was the most natural thing in the world. You thought back to how a number of students gazed at you as you walked through the castle to meet Severus only moments earlier, and your stomach flip flopped. You didn’t usually get this nervous, but as the first few notes from the orchestra began to play, signalling the first dance was going to begin soon, you suddenly wished to be anywhere else but here.

“Are you okay?” Severus asked gently. You could see the concern etched across his face as he gazed at you. “You’ve turned a bit pale.”

“I…”

All you could think about was how this was actually happening. Severus was actually your date, and in a matter of seconds you’d have to dance together. In front of the entire school. Hell, even the teachers would be watching you two together.

It was an idea you had dreamed about, but now you felt like a coward. Everything was happening too fast.

“I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.”

Before Severus could say anything, you bolted in the opposite direction, down the hall. You heard Severus calling your name from behind, but you kept running. Your heart was racing a mile a minute as you nearly crashed through the door to the bathroom, and locked yourself in a stall.

Back in the library earlier today, you hadn’t realized just what your words would entail when you asked Severus to go with you to the Yule Ball. You were picturing the two of you, laughing and joking together as you stood in the corner, drinking punch and giggling whenever someone tried to dance and tripped over their own feet. You didn’t think Severus would’ve taken your offer so seriously, you had never seen him this way before. You were naive to think that everything would remain the same after so casually admitting your feelings to him.

You wanted him in a way you had never fully allowed yourself to feel until now, and it scared you. Especially since all eyes would be on the two of you tonight as well. It felt smothering.

The creak of the door interrupted your thoughts, and you tried your best to quiet your breathing. It served no use though, as a tiny knock sounded against the stall door.

“It’s me.” Severus said softly. You could see his shadow through the door. “Please come out.”

You sighed softly, unable to find any words. Severus gave your door another small tap.

“Y/N? Come on, I know you’re in there. I know something’s wrong. Talk to me.”

Your shoulders sank in defeat, and you opened the stall door slowly. Severus stood in front of you, his eyes filled with worry.

“I’m sorry.” You muttered, keeping your eyes on the floor. “I think I’m having second thoughts about this.”

Severus frowned. “Is it because of me? Because I can-”

“What?” Your eyes widened. “No, not at all, why would you even think that?”

The confusion in Severus’s eyes was clear as day. “I thought you wanted to go to the Yule Ball.”

“I did… I do, I just…” You gazed up at the ceiling as you sighed in frustration, trying your best to get your feelings into words. You were hoping you wouldn’t have to have this conversation in a bathroom of all places, but you knew you couldn’t just leave Severus hanging like this.

“This is all hitting me too fast,” you explained softly. “I had this idea in my head of how the night was going to go, and as I was walking to meet you, it hit me how real this is.”

“How real what is? The Yule Ball?”

You shook your head. “No. Us. Like this.” You gestured to the two of you, and Severus nodded slowly as he began to understand.

“I shouldn’t have asked you so quickly,” you continued. “And then the bell rang, and we had no time to talk about any of this and-”

“Do you regret any of it?”

You frowned, noticing the intense look in Severus’s eyes. “What?”

“Do you regret any of it? What you said earlier to me?”

You shook your head immediately. “No. Not at all. I meant what I said, I really did.”

Severus nodded as he processed your words. “You really did catch me by surprise.”

You laughed softly, burying your face in your hands. “I know, I’m so sorry. It was stupid of me.”

Severus shook his head, stepping a little closer to you. “It wasn’t stupid. Not if you meant it.”

“I did,” you whispered as you lowered your hands from your face. “I meant it.”

Severus nodded, his hands coming up to reassuringly caress your shoulders. After a beat, he glanced at you.

“Is this okay?” He asked softly. You nodded, feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. There was an intense, almost wanting, look in your best friend’s eyes, and it made your heart race.

Severus stepped a little closer, leaving mere inches of space between the two of you. His hands travelled up to caress your face, his thumb gently tracing the line of your jaw. You reached up, resting your palm gently over the back of one of his hands.

“Remember that time Slughorn called on you when you weren’t paying attention, yet you somehow managed to provide him with the correct steps to brew Amortentia?”

You laughed softly, nodding as the memory came back to you.

“I couldn’t believe the way you so smoothly talked your way out of getting points taken away. And then the sneaky look you gave me afterwards…” Severus shook his head, laughing softly to himself. “My feelings for you changed that day, and I knew I was going to be in trouble.”

“Why?” You asked softly.

“Because…” the way he gently stroked your face was almost calming. “I was falling deeply for you. And I didn’t think you returned my feelings, until this afternoon actually.”

You nodded slowly. “I do.”

Severus smiled softly. “You do.”

He leaned in, pressing his lips gently against yours. Part of you knew it was coming, but you still inhaled sharply in surprise. It almost seemed to spur him on, and his hands travelled to circle your waist and pull you closer as he deepened the kiss. He smelled warm, like amber and cinnamon, and it made you smile into the kiss.

This was really happening.

Severus pulled away just enough to rest his forehead against your own, and you rested one of your hands on top of his own.

“You’re shaking.” You whispered softly.

“Yeah, because I can’t believe this is happening.” He laughed softly. “And I can’t believe we just did that.”

“You mean how we kissed?”

“Yeah.”

A tinge of pink bloomed on his cheeks. You smiled and leaned in again to kiss him once more. All the nerves you had been feeling had faded for the most part, now that you knew Severus shared your feelings.

He kissed you back with more intention this time, his lips pressing more firmly against yours. His grip on you tightened, and you bit his lip gently, testing the waters. He let out a soft moan that made your knees weak, shifting both of you without breaking the kiss once until you had your back pressed up against the cold wall of the bathroom. His hands, which were still trembling, began roaming your body, and you pulled him closer.

The sound of footsteps echoing out in the hall caused you to push him away slightly, and you threw a finger to your lips in warning as Severus let out a tiny whine of protest.

“Someone’s outside,” you hissed. “Quickly!”

You tugged him hastily into a stall, squeezing into the far corner. You barely breathed as the sound of footsteps grew closer. Severus kept his gaze on you the entire time, barely making a sound. The door creaked as someone came in, and you held your breath as you squeezed your eyes shut. A moment later, the door creaked open again, and the footsteps receded. You let out a relieved breath just as Severus laughed softly.

“That was close.”

“Who do you think that was?”

“Definitely McGonagall.” Severus whispered. “She’s the only one who walks that fast constantly.”

As you laughed, Severus tugged you a little closer. “I realize now that this is what I wanted.” You admitted softly. “I don’t really feel like dancing in front of everyone. I just want to continue this. Us.”

Severus gave you a small smirk before kissing the corner of your mouth. “See? Now you know how I feel about the Yule Ball.”

“If we go back will you dance with me?”

Severus snorted, rolling his eyes. “Merlin, no.”

As you raised your eyebrows, he gave you a small squeeze. “Not in front of that many people. But I found a spot on the second floor where you can still hear everything happening in the Great Hall. I’ll dance with you up there. Alone.”

You smiled softly, feeling the last of your nerves disappear completely. “Deal.”

Severus smiled at you, and your knees went weak at the tenderness in his dark eyes. He pressed one last chaste kiss against your lips, before leading you out of the bathroom.

“This way,” he smiled as he intertwined his fingers with yours. “We’ll have our own little Yule Ball.”

You noticed the way he squeezed your hand after he spoke, and you squeezed back. This was not at all the way you thought the night would go. In fact, it was far better than anything you could’ve imagined.

[starlight-sev]

May I have a teen! Sev x muggle reader fan fic please?

Absolutely! I have a full-length Teen!Sev x Muggle reader fic here if you haven’t read it yet, but here’s some more headcanons about how I feel their relationship would play out in general🫶

Contrary to what most people assume about Severus, he’d actually get along quite well with you compared to other classmates at Hogwarts

This was mostly due to the fact that you had no idea about the wizarding world, and therefore had no bias or knowledge of magic (or Sev’s history for that matter)

He’d often come over to your house when he was home for the summer

His favourite pastime would be to sit with you in your room, listening to your favourite records and listening to you tell stories about your school

It lessened his anxiety quite a bit, having someone who was completely separate from the world that caused him so much pain and trouble

You’d often ask about his school, and you noticed the way he’d smoothly skirt around your questions

At first you’d give him a bit of a hard time, but you saw something change in his eyes — he almost looked pained and scared when you asked about his friends once

Eventually you dropped it, knowing that whatever Sev chose not to speak about was most likely for a good reason

(It still never lessened the curiosity you had around where exactly he went to school. Whatever it was, it seemed terrible)

The end of summer would always be bittersweet, but the older and closer you two became, the last week of summer was almost physically painful

You almost never spent time apart, and to have to go from being together almost 24/7 for the whole summer to not at all was unbearable

Severus getting all emotional and quiet in the last few nights you spent together

He wouldn’t say much, he was never good with words in the first place, but you’d never forget the way your breath caught in your throat when he interrupted you mid-sentence by throwing his arms around you in a tight embrace.

“I don’t want to go back.” He’d whisper. “I don’t want to leave you again.”

Your heart nearly breaks at how fragile his voice is. The two of you just stay that way for a while, holding each other and fighting back tears.

Giving him your most comfortable hoodie to take back to school with him.

And in turn he gives you his t-shirt to wear

Him surprising you by coming back over the winter holidays

He’d have arranged with your family to show up early at your house. When you get home from school to find Sev sitting there expectantly on your bed, it’s all you can do to not yell in surprise and tackle the poor boy to the ground

Tears of happiness, from both of you

The distance was always hard, but now that he was back earlier than you expected, you never ever wanted him to leave

Lying together on your bed, limbs intertwined, talking about moving in together one day

Severus has to hold himself back from disclosing too much about the wizarding world

Especially when you ask him what his favourite thing to do in his free time at school is

(He says ‘baking’ out of panic to cover up his love of potions, it’s the closest thing)

But he’d give it all up in a heartbeat if it meant being able to wake up to you every morning for the rest of his life.

[starlight-sev]

Do you have any rules or Masterlist and may I add you to my Harry Potter writers list?

I probably should have a masterlist at this point 😅 I don’t currently have one, but one will be in the works soon!

As for rules, I don’t write any student x teacher things, or anything involving romance between minors and adults. I’m open to found-family type fics but these will be strictly platonic ☺️

Of course you can add me to your writer’s list! Thank you for thinking of me 💕

[starlight-sev]

Send in requests! ❤️

I’m (finally!!) feeling ready to write more regularly again — I’ve got some longer fics in the works coming up, but please feel free to send in requests! I’d love to write some headcanons for you in the meantime 🫶

I usually write headcanons as bullet lists, so they’re more freeform and informal than the actual fics I post, but still full of lovely Snape-y things we all love 💖

Send me some ideas, I’m more than happy to write for you!

[starlight-sev]

A View From Above (Severus Snape x Reader)

Or, that time you shared New Years Eve with a kindred spirit.

A/N: Happy (belated) holidays! I hope this season treated you well. This is a gentle, fluffy one, a hug in writing form to anyone who may find the holidays to be a struggle. It’s not always an easy time, and I’m thinking of you ❤️

The cold night air bit at your cheeks as you nestled yourself further into the nook of the Astronomy tower. It may have been cramped, and not to mention near freezing, but it had one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the entire castle.

And not to mention the quiet. This was the only place you were able to clear your head properly.

“You’re not off at the party with the rest of the staff.” The sudden remark nearly made you jump, despite being quietly spoken. You shifted in your little corner, looking up to find Severus standing a few feet away. He wore his trademark stern expression, but for a split second you could’ve sworn he was biting back a smirk.

“I thought you were a student, the way you’re all crammed up in there.” Severus nodded to your little corner, and this time a tiny smile did make it to his face. “I was ready to take points away and send you to detention in the morning.”

You snorted, pushing yourself up out of your corner to properly greet your coworker. While you wouldn’t go so far as to call Severus your friend (he’d have your head if you did, probably), you felt… comfortable around him. It was more than could be said about the other staff.

“Drew the short straw and got put on patrol, I guess?” You asked, stretching your legs a little as you moved to lean against the guardrail of the tower. Severus followed suit as he settled in beside you, scoffing.

“They’ve come to know over the years that I never attend Dumbledore’s bloody holiday parties. Since I don’t go, I get patrol duty. It’s become… an unspoken rule.”

Severus paused, gazing curiously at you.

“Had I known you wouldn’t be attending tonight’s party either,” he continued slowly. “I would’ve volunteered you for patrol tonight.”

“Why?” You retorted with a small laugh. “Missing out on the festivities now, after the fact?”

“No,” Severus drawled. He rolled his eyes at you, but you caught the small huff of a laugh that left him. “It would be nice to celebrate the new year in peace. Alone. Like you’re doing now.”

“Well…” you thought for a moment. “You can stay here with me. I won’t say a word, it’ll be like you’re alone.”

As you looked out at the lake, you caught Severus turn to gaze at you properly out of your peripheral vision. Heat crept up to your cheeks, and you kept your gaze on the water below.

“You went away for the holidays.”

You blinked in surprise, finally turning to meet Severus’s gaze.

“I’m surprised you noticed I was gone.”

He nodded. “But you came back early. classes don’t start for almost another week.”

Despite the constant statements, your co-worker’s dark eyes were filled with questions. You usually appreciated Severus and his matter-of-fact nature, but things were feeling… too close.

“My family.” You sighed, not wanting to go into too much detail. “The holidays are hard. I go visit because I have to, but this year was too much.”

You braced yourself for more questions, but to your surprise Severus simply nodded.

“The holidays are godawful.” He murmured.

“Is that why you never go home for Christmas and New Years?”

Severus pressed his lips together in a thin line. Now he was the one to keep his gaze on the lake below.

“Let’s just say, I’ve burned many bridges over the years.”

You gazed at him, watching the way memories of his past left a murky darkness in his eyes. You shuffled over a bit more, instinctively wanting to provide some sort of comfort, to let him know you understood. To your surprise, Severus didn’t step away.

“Want to know why I come up here?” You asked softly. Severus raised an eyebrow in question.

You beckoned him back over to your little corner a few feet away, and crouched down to the small window.

“Here, squeeze in,” you murmured, tucking your knees in and wrapping your arms around your legs. Severus glared at you skeptically.

“You’re much smaller than I am.”

“Oh, stop it. You’ll fit. Come on. Just tuck your legs in a bit.”

A ragged sigh and an unintelligible grumble later, Severus was crammed into your little spot beside you. You were surprised at how warm he was, despite the cold air that drifted around you.

“See there? Down there, to the right?” You pointed through the window to a far-away cluster of tiny lights. “It’s a village. Right at midnight, they set off the most beautiful fireworks. From here, they’re so small, it’s like watching them from space almost. It’s nice, without all the noise and chaos of actually being there.”

You glanced quickly at the time and smiled. “It’ll be midnight soon. Not much longer now.”

“You can’t- argh, my leg-” Severus cut himself off as he shifted positions, trying to fit beside you comfortably. Your knees knocked together and you tried your best to shuffle in further to give him a bit more space. Your hands brushed together as a result, and you fought to ignore the way your heart jumped.

“You can’t see this from anywhere else more comfortable?” He asked, his voice strained. You couldn’t help but let out a small giggle.

“No. The lookout doesn’t stretch this far. If you’re lucky you’ll maybe catch one or two fireworks if they go astray, but this is the only place where you can see them all.”

A comfortable silence fell between the two of you, save for Severus shifting every now and then to keep his legs from cramping up as he sat beside you.

“Have you ever been kissed on New Year’s?” You murmured softly, resting your hand against your cheek. The look of surprise on Severus’s face mirrored your own feelings as you realize what you just said. You expected Severus to scoff at you in his usual tone, but to his surprise he shook his head.

“No. I suppose going to parties would’ve certainly helped with that, however.”

You held back a laugh, only to let it bubble up as Severus glanced at you with perhaps the only warm smile you’d ever seen him show.

“And you?”

“Yes,” you answered softly. “But it was… odd. It felt forced. We were both drunk.”

“How romantic.” You laughed once more at the sarcasm that was evident in Severus’s reply. “You’re really selling the tradition from how you’ve described it.”

“You’ve really never been kissed at midnight?”

“Was my first answer not clear enough?”

Despite the biting reply, there was laughter in his eyes.

“No, just… I’m surprised, that’s all. It’s something everyone should experience just once.”

“So is getting hungover, but you don’t see me scrambling to experience it ever again. Besides, who are you to talk? You just said your New Year’s kiss was awful.”

“I never said that!” You protested, only to receive another signature glare. “It was just…”

Severus snorted. “Certainly wasn’t good, from the sound of it.”

“Okay fine,” you sighed, running your hands over your face. “It wasn’t good. But it wasn’t awful either.”

“Sure, whatever you say.”

You laughed, elbowing Severus teasingly. To your surprise, he nudged you back gently.

“I’m glad it was you that found me up here.” You murmured, pulling your knees a little closer to your chest. Severus gazed at you, smirking.

“Why? Filius or even Minerva would’ve enjoyed this spot. At least they would’ve fit.”

“Not that.” You rolled your eyes. “It’s just… you’re the only one I feel I can be myself around. Like now. I’d never be able to talk about this kind of thing with anyone else.”

Severus gazed at you silently, his eyebrows knitting into a tiny frown as he processed your words.

“Sorry. That came out of nowhere.”

“Don’t apologize.” He replied softly. He didn’t say anything more, but there was a comforting warmth that filled his eyes. No words were exchanged, but you felt as though you understood.

A tiny spark flashed in the corner of your eye, and you glanced out the window as tiny fireworks bloomed in the distance.

“Oh.” You gasped softly. “We missed the countdown. It’s midnight.”

“Mm. So it is.”

You turned your gaze to Severus, whose gaze was fully absorbed in the fireworks. The conversation from a few minutes earlier ran through your mind, and you leaned forward to press a tiny kiss to Severus‘s cheek. He gazed at you, bewildered.

“Happy New Year.” You managed to squeak out. The shock faded from his eyes, and it was replaced by that familiar warmth as he softened. Severus dipped his head respectfully in acknowledgement.

“Happy New Year.”

The two of you sat together in silence, watching the fireworks. Then, to your surprise, Severus tapped your arm lightly.

“This, us tonight, stays up here?”

To your surprise, it wasn’t a statement. You could see there was a bit of nervousness in his eyes. You nodded.

“Yes. Of course. This is our secret. Why do you ask?”

The air felt heavy for a moment as Severus paused in thought, before closing the already-small distance between the two of you. He pressed his lips softly to yours, caressing your face with both of his hands. In the back of your mind, it hit you that he was gentle and calculated in literally everything he did, not just potions. It made your head spin, and your heart race.

The fireworks were over by the time the two of you pulled away. Severus let his gaze fall away, but you caught his hands in yours before he could pull away completely. You squeezed his hands reassuringly to let him know it was okay, and he returned your action with a kind smile.

“Hopefully that… wasn’t as awful as your last New Year’s kiss?”

You let out a giggle, and felt a rush of pure joy run through you as Severus shared your laughter.

“That was, by far, the best. And hopefully not the last?” You added shyly.

In response, Severus leaned in and kissed you again.

[starlight-sev]

December 10: Lingering Touch (Snape x Reader)

(Part of @deepperplexity’s Rickmas 2024)

As you can tell from the way we went from December 3 to 10, I had a case of work burnout :’) my apologies!!

This one is much more angsty, I’m sorry but also not sorry 🥲I recently watched HP 7 which destroyed me and was also inspired by something Alan said about Snape in an interview: how he viewed him as someone who’d never raise his voice, and played Snape as such. It got the gears turning and this came out of it. Enjoy!

A dark shadow descended upon Hogwarts after Dumbledore died.

You knew it was only a matter of time. You had seen it coming, but you never thought Death Eaters would be running the school. You never thought it would come to this.

Severus, the man who only months earlier was spending every night with you, who would kiss you passionately in darkened hallways at midnight when you were both on patrol, no longer so much as looked at you. He was Headmaster now, and you had never felt so inferior to someone you would give the world to.

You’d try from time to time to get Severus to open back up to you. You knew it was dangerous with the Carrows around, so you’d wait until after hours before silently stepping into his office. Every time, it would end the same. You’d receive a withering glare before Severus would turn around and leave you waiting with a sinking heart at the door.

Sometimes between classes you’d walk by his office, lingering in the doorway hoping to catch his eye. You longed to open up to him the way you two had done countless times before the darkness came. You needed him more than ever now. Yet it was as if you were invisible to him.

Your final straw was when the cheeky Irish boy, Seamus Finnigan, walked into your classroom late. He was so badly hurt from whatever punishment the Carrows had inflicted on him, you barely recognized him save for his accent, when he apologized in a trembling voice for being late.

You dismissed class early that day, and made your way straight to Severus. Your heart was racing, and your throat felt tight. You had to speak to him.

As you entered his office, you caught the way his cold and critical eyes seemed to sharpen as he watched you walk in unannounced. Your heart sunk.

“Professor, you do not have an appointment.” Severus murmured icily. He remained at his desk, studying pages and pages of parchment as if his life depended on it.

“Too bad.” You retorted. You hated the way your voice trembled. “I’m here now. I need to speak with you Severus, it’s urgent-”

“Headmaster.”

You blinked, caught off guard by the way he so calmly interrupted your panicked tone. “What?”

“You are to address me as Headmaster Snape.” Severus corrected you, keeping his eyes on the parchment on his desk. “Surely you know that, or must I lecture you like a first-year student?”

Your breath left you with a small whoosh as you took in his words. This was how it always ended, with you in a state of despair, and Severus seemingly unbothered. In the past you would have retreated, but the fear that had been living in your veins for weeks sparked anger inside you.

“What is wrong with you?” You demanded, making your way to Severus’s desk. He didn’t even pause to look up at you. “One moment you’re telling me you don’t know what you’d do without me, and the next you won’t even call me by my name?”

Severus didn’t look up, but you noticed his hand stilled as he paused his note-taking.

“Do I really mean so little to you that you’re able to throw me away overnight?” You questioned as you now stood beside Severus. He kept his gaze down as you spoke.

“The Carrows are wreaking havoc!” You exclaimed. “Students are being tortured every day, punished for things they never did. Hogwarts is going to hell, and you’re hiding up here in Dumbledore’s office playing Headmaster-”

“You think I don’t know what’s going on?” Severus’s voice was a deathly silent whisper. His chair screeched as he stood up, towering over you. His dark eyes were unreadable. “You think I enjoy this?”

“You’re certainly not doing anything to stop it-”

“Tell me then, what would I do?” His voice was nothing short of a whisper, but it cut through you like a knife. “Swoop in like some martyr to defend the students?”

“No, of course not. I-”

“What, do you want me to save the day? Like a hero? Like Potter?”

“No, Severus listen, I just-”

“I am running a school in the midst of a war and you want me to-”

“I want you to look at me!” You yelled, feeling tears prick your eyes. Severus flinched almost imperceptibly, but you caught the crack in his mask. Your lip trembled.

“I am so scared,” your voice shook, but you kept going. “I need you. I’ve needed you for… months. You told me once that I could always come to you. Yet you’ve been shutting me out, and I don’t know why.” Tears were flowing freely down your face now, and it seemed the longer you spoke, the more Severus softened, bit by bit. “I’ve been feeling so alone. You’re all I have now. I don’t even know what that means to you anymore.”

An eternity passed between the two of you. Severus never once broke his gaze as his eyes connected with yours. He moved as if to turn away, but then stopped. And then, slowly, as if to not scare you away, he closed the distance between the two of you as he caressed your face with both hands.

“I think of you every single moment of every day.” He whispered. “It tears me apart that I have to keep my distance from you.”

You rested your hands over his wrists, as if to hold his hands in place. You focused on his touch for a moment, afraid that if you so much as breathed the wrong way, all this would disappear.

“Why do you do it then?”

Severus breathed a small laugh, his thumbs gently stroking your tears away.

“Hogwarts is crawling with Death Eaters. If they see us together, you’re as good as dead.”

You shook your head, hating the fact that Severus was probably right.

“That’s not true.” You answered in a small voice. “I can fight. You know that.”

“That’s not what I mean.” Severus murmured sternly, but for the first time in months, his eyes were warm as he took in your features. “If anything were to go wrong, and so many things have been going wrong lately… I cannot have you attached to me. You will be a liability. You’re my weakness. They cannot know that.”

Severus shifted his hands away, only to gently take each of your own and hold them tightly. His hands were surprisingly warm for how cold it was in his office.

“I…” he frowned, struggling for the right words. “I love you far too much to risk losing you so foolishly. And that means for the time being, during this war, I have to love you from a distance.”

You wanted to protest. Yell until you ran out of breath that it wasn’t true. That you could find a way to make things work despite the chaos you were in. But you came up empty and you knew it was because, deep down, Severus was right.

“This isn’t forever.” He whispered, a feeble attempt at reassuring you. His eyes mirrored the heartbreak you felt inside. “But for now, it is safer.”

“Can I stay with you?” You asked, your voice feeble. “Just for tonight?”

There was a flash in Severus’s eyes that had you convinced he was going to agree. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed a tender kiss to your forehead before wrapping his arms around you.

“I’m sorry.”

He didn’t have to say anything else. You knew.

“I love you.” You whispered, returning his embrace tightly. You closed your eyes, bringing your attention to every cell in your body, every nerve ending, in an attempt to memorize the way Severus touched you. The lingering warmth of his hands, the feeling of his fingers that were now gently running through your hair. The soft tingle of his lips against your skin.

“I love you too.”

He retreated, but his touch lingered on you like fire.

A reminder that you’d carry him with you, always.

[starlight-sev]

Hiii!! I just wanted to say I really love your fics <33 sat down to read them and omg you had my heart melting, especially with the most recent post-war one about Severus and Reader healing together ;v; 💕💕💕 it was so lovely, thank you for taking your time to write them and for putting to much love into them <3! I'm looking forward to read your future works 💕

Thank you so much!! That’s so kind of you, I’m so glad to hear you’ve been enjoying the Snape fics ❤️he’s such a complex character to write, and there’s so many different sides to him. I wanted to capture them all as best I could. Thank you for reading! 💕

I’ve fallen off the boat a bit with a prompt a day in December, but I’m doing my best to catch up! More Snape on the way for sure.

Thanks again for your kind words. Your support keeps me going 💖

[starlight-sev]

Snape would be an absolute dotting boyfriend. He’d pretend to be all cold and distant but he’d listen and memorize everything; you mentioned your favorite flower, he’d surprise you with a bouquet of them. Favorite snack, bet your ass he’d make sure he always have it on hand in case you come over

YES I can totally see this! Eventually he’d warm up to you the longer you two dated, but there’d still be some instances where he seems cold on the outside, but is most definitely very warm on the inside.

I could totally see a scenario where, if the two of you were parting ways at the end of the day, he’d walk away while trying the entire time to fight the urge to glance over his shoulder at you. Then, when he felt it had been long enough and he was certain you wouldn’t turn around to see him, he’d stop and just gaze at you. Just to watch you walk away, to watch the way the light hit your hair and bounced off your clothes. And he’d allow the tiniest smile to bloom as it sinks in yet again that you’re his. This beautiful, amazing person loves him back!! What are the odds!!!

Severus Snape is actually a huge softie deep down but he’d never admit to it 🤭

[starlight-sev]

December 3: A Treat (Snape x Reader)

(Part of @deepperplexity’s Rickmas 2024)

Every time I try to write for other characters Alan has played, I find myself coming back to Severus over and over. He’s just so complex.

Enjoy this sweet lil awkward date :)

Getting Severus Snape to go on a date with you was hard enough.

Getting Severus Snape to go on a date with you in public? Near impossible.

Sure, it was nice hanging out with him in his office after work, sipping wine together and complaining about the latest student shenanigans of the week. But you found yourself wanting more.

How you finally managed to convince him to physically go out with you was like pulling teeth: it had taken countless evenings in either your office, or his office, along with countless glasses of wine, before he had finally (and rather reluctantly) agreed.

Now that the winter holidays were in full swing, and most of the students had gone home for a few weeks, you suggested going into Hogsmeade for the afternoon. And of course even then, Severus tried his best to manoeuvre as far away from the public as possible.

The two of you sat side by side on a fallen tree, overlooking the Shrieking Shack in the distance. You two were familiar with each other’s company — comfortable enough to sit with your shoulders touching, but not quite at the point where you could reach out and hold his hand without a second thought.

“Do you have any favourite places at Hogsmeade?” You asked after a brief moment of silence passed between the two of you. Severus glanced over at you with a slight frown.

“No, I can’t say I do. I don’t often come here.”

“You don’t?”

“No.” He replied, burying his face a little further into his scarf. “Unless I’m on chaperone duty during a school trip.”

“Well,” you answered quietly, nudging his shoulder. Severus glanced at you quickly with a frown before softening when he realized your gesture was of a friendly nature. “Thanks for coming out here with me.”

He nodded slowly, his eyes dark and unreadable as usual. “Of course.”

Your heart raced a little as another silence passed between the two of you. Why was being with Severus so damn hard this time around? Usually when you two were together, the conversation was effortless. Things flowed nicely. This time… it seemed neither of you knew quite how to break the ice.

A gust of wind rattled the trees around you, and you pulled your jacket tighter around yourself. It was much too cold to be sitting out here the way you were, and you longed to be inside somewhere warm.

“What’s your favourite treat?” You found yourself blurting out suddenly. Severus looked at you as if you had just insulted him in another language.

“My… what?”

“Favourite treat. Do you have one?”

Severus blinked in surprise, lost for words for a moment.

“I don’t think I have one,” he admitted. He seemed to be tiptoeing around you, choosing his words carefully. “Do you?”

You nodded. “Hot chocolate… from Honeydukes specifically.”

Severus shook his head. “I’ve never tried it.”

“Are you serious? Let’s go, I’ll get you one.”

“That’s kind of you, but I don’t need one.”

“Well, I do.” You announced as you began walking. Anything to get out of the cold.

As you walked into Honeydukes, you were gently cocooned by a rush of warm sugary air, and you couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief. Severus stuck out like a sore thumb in the store, in his all-black attire. You noticed the way he hung back in the store, staying close to the wall as if not to be seen. He stayed rather still, but he kept glancing around at the small number of others browsing the shop. He seemed anxious.

Before you could convince yourself otherwise, you grabbed his hand gently and tugged him up to the front counter. Out of the corner of your eye, you caught him visibly stiffen before slowly softening as he grew more familiar with your touch. His hands were surprisingly warm.

You ordered two hot chocolates, and just as you were about to pay, Severus stepped forward and silently took out a few Galleons from his pocket. He placed them on the counter quickly, beating you to the payment.

“Oh.” You murmured in faint surprise. “I was going to get it for you, you didn’t have to do that-”

“I insist.” Severus replied softly. His eyes were warm, and you caught the tiniest smile grace his lips for a split second. You nodded your head in gratitude.

“Thank you.”

Hot chocolates now warming your hands, the two of you walked in silence and sat together in a small clearing, just around the corner from the main street. Severus took a small sip of his hot chocolate, and you caught the tiny gasp of surprise he made as he took in the flavour.

“What do you think?” You grinned, watching his reaction. He scrutinized the cup, deep in thought, before nodding slowly as he turned to smile at you.

“I see why you like this so much.”

You laughed and took a sip for yourself. “See? I told you it was good.”

The air felt much less awkward between the two of you, and more like how it was when you’d visit each other’s offices at Hogwarts. Now that you were out of public view for the most part, Severus seemed to have visibly relaxed.

You glanced over at him and had to bite back a smile. He had the smallest bit of chocolate just above his lip. You pressed your lips together to keep from saying anything, but Severus caught your expression. He frowned curiously.

“What is it?”

“You've got, um…” you tried to tap your mouth quickly to signal to him, but he didn’t quite get the right spot.

Oh, to hell with it.

“Um no, it’s a little lower…” you reached up quickly and swiped it away with a gentle touch. Severus kept his gaze on you the entire time. Dozens of emotions seemed to flash in his eyes all at once. You found it hard to look away. He looked beautiful in the winter light.

You leaned forward and pressed the tiniest kiss to the corner of his mouth. Your lips didn’t quite touch his, and as a result it was more of a cheek kiss really, but your heart was still racing nonetheless. Severus blinked curiously, observing every tiny movement and expression you made.

And then, after setting his hot chocolate down without a word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to yours softly.

You inhaled sharply, every sense suddenly running on overdrive. You tensed at first, but then Severus rested his hand gently on your leg, and you found yourself relaxing immediately. Your kisses were slow. Deliberate. As if you were testing the waters together.

You broke away, breathing a little more intensely than before. Severus looked at you as if to ask if that was okay, and you knew right there that he had fully captured your heart.

“Could I kiss you again, perhaps?”

You had to giggle at his question. You nodded, setting down your hot chocolate on the bench beside you so you could properly face him now.

“I’d really like that.”

Severus smiled, genuinely. It was a sight you knew you’d love to get used to seeing. He leaned in, kissing you again with much less hesitancy than the first time.

You’d never be able to look at hot chocolate the same way again.

[starlight-sev]

December 2: Secret Watching (Jamie x Reader)

(Part of @deepperplexity’s Rickmas 2024 prompts)

I never thought I’d write anything based around Jamie from Truly, Madly, Deeply, yet here we are.

This is a quirky platonic one. No warnings, other than a mischievous ghost. Enjoy.

It didn’t matter what anyone else said, your flat was definitely haunted.

It started off as just a feeling that would come and go. Barely there, but every now and then, as you cooked dinner or sat down to watch a movie, you’d have the distinct itchy sensation that you were being watched. Sometimes, even though you knew you were alone, you’d do a quick wander through each room, just in case. And then, shortly after you’d notice it, the feeling would pass.

Nina, the lady you rented your flat from, seemed nice enough. She had mentioned a rat issue in the past, but this definitely didn’t feel like rats that were watching you. You wanted to ask her if there was more that has gone on in this flat, but you didn’t have the heart to. It seemed crazy.

It was your first Christmas in this flat. Nina had kindly left a box of Christmas decorations to put up, if you wanted to.

You dug through the box as you sat in the living room, trying to find any lights that would bring a little more life to this new place of yours. You felt a little twinge of hope as you pulled out what seemed to be clouds on a string, but let out a sad huff of disappointment as the tangled mess turned out to be a mobile, not a string of cloud-shaped fairy lights.

There it was again. That strange feeling of being watched.

You frowned, glancing around the flat. Your curtains were shut, the place was quiet. And yet, you didn’t feel alone.

“Hello?” You felt both a little stupid and a little scared as you called out into thin air. There was no response.

“Hello?” You called out again, but even as you did so, you could feel the air returning to normal. The feeling vanished as quickly as it came.

With a sigh, you placed the cloud mobile back into the box, and called it a night. Surely it was just your imagination.

Except it wasn’t. The next morning you woke up to find the same cloud mobile you had placed back in Nina’s decoration box was now hanging in the corner of your room, rotating slightly as if someone had gently tapped it only moments earlier. Unless you had been decorating your flat in your sleep, you were certain there was something going on here that you couldn’t explain.

In fact, it only seemed to get worse from there. As more Christmas decorations went up, stranger things kept happening. The lights on the tree would flicker, or sometimes extinguish completely. Bells would tinkle faintly by themselves. And for some reason, the cloud mobile that belonged to Nina kept moving around your flat with each day that passed.

It was when you came home after work one evening only to walk headfirst into the cloud mobile, which was dangling right in front of the door, that you had finally had enough.

“That’s it,” you called out, tossing your shoes and bag to the side as you spoke. “I know you’re here. I don’t know who, or what, you are. But I know you’re here.”

As usual, there was no response. You shook your head and took down the cloud mobile. You marched into the living room and held it up in front of you.

“Want to explain why this keeps moving around?” You demanded to no one in particular. You caught a glimpse of yourself in the mirror in the living room, and you realized just how ridiculous this was. Just as you were losing hope, however, your Christmas tree lights began flickering constantly.

The faint outline of a tall man in what seemed to be a wool trenchcoat materialized in front of you, and you stumbled backwards in a panic. You weren’t sure what you were hoping would happen when you began speaking to thin air, but it certainly wasn’t this.

“Christ, what the-”

“Sorry,” the man said quickly. “Sorry! Sorry. I’m trying not to scare you, I swear.”

You stepped even further back, placing as much distance between you and the ghost as possible.

“Who are you?” You asked slowly. The man raised his hands in what seemed to be surrender.

“I’m Jamie.” He replied carefully. “You’re Y/N, right?”

You nodded, your heart still racing. “I don’t like that you know that.”

“Oh, come on,” Jamie nearly rolled his eyes. “Your name’s written on every piece of mail over there.” He nodded to the pile on your table. “I may be dead, but I can still read.”

“Right…”

“You noticed that then?” Jamie nodded to the cloud mobile, which you had tossed onto the couch. He had a small gleam in his eyes.

“Hard not to, when it’s moving around the flat every other day,” you retorted. “Why this one specifically?”

Jamie sighed, glancing at the item distantly. For a second, you could’ve sworn he almost appeared to be sad.

“It was mine.”

You blinked in confusion. “So this used to be your flat?”

Jamie shook his head. “No, no. It is… was… my girlfriend’s.”

You raised your eyebrows in surprise. “Is she dead too?”

Jamie seemed taken aback by your question. He frowned. “What? No, of course not… she’s…”

There it was again, that distant look in his eyes. You felt a pang of empathy as Jamie seemed to battle his own memories and emotions for a moment.

“It’s okay. I don’t need to know.”

Jamie visibly relaxed at your comment. He gave you a slightly relieved smile in gratitude.

“Why me?��� You asked him curiously. “Why have you been trying to get my attention?”

Jamie glanced around the room as he pondered your question.

“It’s been a while since I’ve celebrated Christmas.” He admitted softly. “Time’s a little different on this side. My friends often lose track of how long they spend doing one thing. They love watching movies, you see. We often miss Christmas by the time it occurs to us to actually get up and do something else. But I remembered in time this year, and came here to check on…” Jamie faltered for a moment. “…an old friend. I found you here instead. You’ve decorated nicely.”

You nodded slowly, trying to piece together what Jamie was saying. He seemed kind enough, but it was infuriatingly difficult to have him get to the point. He seemed to almost speak in riddles.

“I’m not sure I follow.” You admitted quietly.

“Right.” Jamie pressed his hands over his eyes for a moment, as if to clear his head. “I suppose… right, I’ll just outright say it. With Nina having moved out-”

“Nina?” You asked incredulously, your eyes wide. You stepped closer to Jamie, and noticed the way the light passed through him. It messed with your head. “You know Nina?”

Jamie pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded hesitantly. “I do… well, I did. Anyway, as I was saying, I miss celebrating Christmas. It’s been a few years since I’ve died, and it’s just not the same on this side.”

“So if I’m following correctly…” you mumbled slowly, glancing at the nervous expression Jamie wore. “You want to spend Christmas with… me?”

Jamie nodded very slowly, almost as if he was ashamed.

“I’ll be quiet. You won’t even know I’m here.”

“You were flickering Christmas lights this past week. Making bells jingle. That’s quiet?”

Jamie swore under his breath, and it almost made you giggle, if it weren’t for the fact that you were talking to an actual ghost.

“Electronics and other things go a bit wonky when I’m around. I’m sorry. I was only trying to get your attention with this.” He held up the cloud mobile and shook it, causing a tinkling sound to fill the room. “I have a bit more control over things that anchor me to my previous life. This is the only thing that’s allowing you to see me right now.”

You nodded slowly, not fully understanding the logic behind being a ghost. You knew better than to question it at this point.

“I suppose you can stay. On one condition.”

“And that is?”

“No more watching me in secret. If you’re here, you show up and be here with me. Got it?”

Jamie nodded, seemingly relieved that everything was now out in the open.

“I can do that.”

“Good.” You murmured, sitting down on the couch. Jamie stepped closer to you, and sat down beside you. There was enough distance between the two of you, but you could definitely feel a chill gently travel through the air as he moved.

“So does this mean we’re roommates now?” He asked gently with a small smile.

“I suppose.”

“Do you snore?”

You wrinkled your nose as you glanced at Jamie. He seemed serious.

“No, I don’t think I do.”

Jamie smiled. “Good. We’ll get along just fine, then.”

[starlight-sev]

December 1: December Moon (Snape x Reader)

(Part of @deepperplexity’s Rickmas 2024 prompts)

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything, but I really wanted to participate in Rickmas this year!

Writing’s been tough as I have a new (much more demanding) job, but I’ll do my best to get as many prompts out there this month as I can.

Gender neutral reader as always for this one. It’s platonic too. Enjoy, and happy December!

The first hour of the Yule Ball had been fun, but now the novelty was starting to wear off.

The glamour and elegance that welcomed you when you first walked into the Great Hall was now gone; napkins littered the floor, chairs were haphazardly strewn here and there from students rushing to dance in excitement, and the music had changed to ear-blasting rock.

On any other day, you would’ve loved it. But sitting here at the teacher’s table, in shoes too narrow and a fancy outfit that was beginning to itch, you just felt like crawling out of your own skin.

You were technically still on supervision duty — Dumbledore had scheduled all the teachers in one hour shifts to ensure there were chaperones at all times. Casting a glance at the silver clock on the wall, your heart sunk as you realized you still had another 45 minutes before you could retreat back into the comfort of your own chambers.

Surely no one would notice if you left for a few moments though, right? If you left your jacket on your chair, you could easily pass off a quick absence as an emergency bathroom break.

You got up out of your chair and rushed out of the Great Hall as quick as you could. You forced yourself not to look back as you turned the corner and headed into a secluded spot in the courtyard.

The winter air was a welcome chill that crept across your skin as you settled down on a step. You could relax for a moment, finally. Even if it were only for a quick smoke break. You thanked Merlin for formalwear with pockets as you snagged a lonely cigarette out of your side pocket, and fumbled around looking for a lighter in the other pocket. You did bring it with you, didn’t you?

“Escaping duty, are we?”

You nearly jumped out of your skin as a quiet, yet deep, voice spoke from behind you. You shot up to your feet quickly and whipped around to see Severus smirking at you.

“Bloody hell, you scared me.” You gasped, taking in his attire. You had to admit, even in all black, he still cleaned up nicely for an event as formal as this. He had on a wool coat, and what looked like a handknitted scarf. Though he wore his usual stoic expression, the way his hands were jammed in his pockets suggested he was just as cold as you were.

“Sorry.” You muttered. “I’ll go back in. Don’t tell Albus.”

To your surprise, Severus scoffed.

“I’m escaping as well, if it weren’t obvious enough. I’ve had enough of that music.”

You laughed at that. “I thought you’d like what they’re playing.”

“Why? Because of what I wear?”

You glanced away, and out of the corner of your eye, you swore Severus smirked at you.

“I didn’t know you smoke.” He observed with a murmur, quirking an eyebrow slightly as he nodded to the cigarette resting between your fingers. You shrugged.

“I usually don’t. I’ve managed to kick the habit for the most part, it’s only in situations like these when I need something to keep me sane.”

You searched your pockets again and swore under your breath. You had forgotten your lighter.

Severus almost seemed to read your mind, and with an unreadable expression, he took out a lighter of his own. You raised your eyebrows.

“You have Muggle parents too?” You asked, somewhat astonished. Most wizards would simply use their wand as a lighter, but something about having a physical object with only one purpose felt comforting to you. Familiar.

Severus nodding in response, rolling his eyes while doing so.

“Yes. My father. You?”

“My dad too.” You replied. You held the cigarette between your lips, and, to your surprise, Severus held the lighter up for you. It was a strangely intimate gesture, and your stomach did a little flip-flop as you locked eyes with him, before lighting your cigarette.

“Thanks,” you mumbled. He just nodded.

“I’d offer you a cigarette,” you continued. “But I only brought one. Sorry. I try to limit myself.”

Severus shrugged, slipping the lighter back into his coat pocket. “I don’t smoke.”

“Then why do you have a lighter?”

There was a thick silence that filled the space between the two of you as Severus pressed his lips together.

“It belonged to my father. I suppose I keep it out of spite.”

You opened your mouth to reply, but you caught the warning in Severus’s eyes as he shifted to gaze at you. You remained quiet, and turned your gaze upwards to the sky instead.

“It’s a nice evening. Full moon tonight.”

“Mm. Indeed.”

You keep your gaze on the moon as you smoke. Neither of you speak for a while, and as you finish your cigarette, you wonder if Severus glided back into the castle as softly as he came. As you finally tore your gaze away from the moon, you caught the shadow out of the corner of your eye.

“Oh. You’re still here.”

Severus smirked a little. “Do you want me to go?”

“No, no!” You mumbled quickly, shaking your head. “It’s not that. I just… didn’t think you liked me enough to stay this long.”

As if to challenge that statement, Severus stepped a little closer to you. “And what exactly brought you to that conclusion?”

You tried to mask the way your breath caught in your throat. “Nothing, I just… I don’t know. Seems you don’t like many people here. Me included.”

“I’m selective with my company.” Severus replied slowly. “The fact that I am still here should prove you wrong, should it not?”

You couldn’t exactly argue with that. You sighed, wrapping your arms tightly around your torso. The cold was starting to hit you.

Severus noticed your feeble attempt to stay warm. Rolling his eyes, he unraveled the scarf from around his neck and draped it around you without a word.

“Oh, no it’s okay-”

“You’re shivering like a damn dog. Take it.”

You go to protest, but the fire in his eyes shuts you up quickly. You give up quickly, and nod your gratitude.

“Thank you. I owe you one.”

“Two, actually. The lighter.”

His face is serious, but you could swear you see a glimmer of mischief in his eyes.

“Okay,” you said sarcastically. “What’s your payment then?”

To your surprise, Severus actually considered your question. He cast his eyes back up to the moon and exhaled slowly before gazing at you.

“Tea tomorrow. Say, after the staff meeting?”

This wasn’t at all what you were used to from Severus. Maybe it was alcohol talking. Maybe it was the full moon. Nevertheless, you nodded slowly.

“Deal.”

Severus nodded, the faintest smile on his lips.

“Good. Now go back in there. Or else Minerva will have your head.”

You snickered, shaking your head. To your relief, you felt lighter than when you walked out fifteen minutes earlier.

“Are you coming in too?” You asked Severus as you began walking. He shrugged almost imperceptibly before following you.

“I suppose.”

“There’s still music playing. We could dance together.”

Your suggestion was a joke, but there was a part of you that was silently hoping he’d agree. Instead, Severus laughed and shook his head.

“Absolutely not. But I’ll share a drink with you.”

“Drink and a dance?”

“No. A drink. Two, maybe. But no dancing.”

You grin as the two of you walked back into the Great Hall. You slid into your seat at the teacher’s table, and Severus sat down beside you. You slide him a bottle of Firewhiskey from the middle of the table.

“How about two drinks and we sneak out of here for the night, for good this time?”

Severus smirked as he picked up a glass and held it out to you.

“Deal.”

[starlight-sev]

Nothing’s Out to Get You (Post War!Snape x Reader)

Just because there’s peace outside now that the war’s over doesn’t mean there’s always peace inside.

Warnings: themes of ptsd and trauma. This is more of a comfort fic for these issues but please be aware these themes are brought up a few times throughout ❤️

A/N: i found this bone-chilling cover of The Bug Collector and my mind wandered. This is what came out of it. Enjoy 💕

Recovering from the war wasn’t easy.

Perhaps that was why you convinced Severus to move in with you. It was better to heal together than face your demons alone.

You had volunteered to bring him home after he was discharged from St. Mungo’s. You went in, expecting to have to fight your case for hours to get him to agree. To your surprise, as soon as the dreaded question left your lips, Severus nodded. Eagerly, even, which made your heart sink a little. After all, you seemed to be one of the only professors at Hogwarts that still respected him. You were one of the only people who knew the truth.

Harry hadn’t told the wizarding world the truth about Severus yet. You figured it would be a while before his real story came out.

You couldn’t let him fend for himself with the wounds he had. They only discharged him because he was no longer in critical condition, in order to make more room for other wizards that needed healing. Severus still had a long way to go in his own healing process. You wouldn’t have been able to live with yourself if something had happened to him while he was living alone, especially after having escaped death so narrowly.

He needed a friend by his side, and although you didn’t want to admit it openly, you did too.

You didn’t escape the war unharmed, either. A near miss with a Death Eater’s curse resulted in a steady tremble of your right hand. The nerves had been damaged, and no healer had been able to find a remedy strong enough to stop the trembling for good. Sometimes the shooting pain would be strong enough to wake you from your sleep, but you were beginning to manage. It was the only choice you had, really.

It had only been two months since the battle at Hogwarts, yet it felt as though you had aged fifteen years. With Severus being at your home, it made the days slightly more bearable.

The two of you existed as shadows in your home, orbiting each other in almost complete silence for most of the day. It was a stark contrast to how both of you behaved together at Hogwarts, often meeting on Friday nights to share a pot of tea and complain about that week’s troublemakers. You were the only one who could coax a smile out of Severus Snape.

Now, you couldn’t remember the last time either of you had smiled.

There’s a centipede, naked in your bedroom.

And you swear to god, the fucker’s out to get you.

You can still remember the way your blood ran cold the first time it happened.

Severus had been sleeping on your couch while you were in the process of cleaning out your office to turn into his new room. You woke in the middle of the night to a muffled sound. At first you thought it was a stray cat outside, but after a moment of rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, you heard it again.

It was a scream, loud enough to travel down the hall and through the closed door of your bedroom clearly.

Severus.

You threw the covers off, wincing as the abrupt motion sent a tiny shockwave through your hand. Throwing open your door, you raced down the hall to the living room. Your heart pounded as you fumbled for the small lamp by the coffee table, and you tried your best to ignore the images that played through your mind of that night you found Severus in the Shrieking Shack.

Severus lay curled up on your couch, his hands tightened into fists as he clutched the blanket around him. He was whimpering loudly, and from the dull light of the lamp, you could see he was sweating profusely. Your heart relaxed only slightly as you cast a worried glance to the bandages on his neck but luckily found them clean.

“Hey,” you whispered cautiously, kneeling down and resting your hands against the seat of the couch. “Sev. Wake up.”

You reached to touch him, but then froze, your trembling hand inches from his shoulder. You didn’t want to startle him awake and accidentally hurt him in the process.

“Severus,” you repeated, a little louder this time. “Wake up. Wake up!”

You tried your best to ignore how your voice trembles as it caught in your throat.

Severus woke with a gasp. His dark eyes shot open, but they were distant, foggy almost. He was still too far lost in his nightmare to focus on you.

You took a chance, inching forward to check if he was okay. As your hand touched his own, he hissed sharply and drew back, trembling despite the warmth radiating through your home.

“It’s me,” you managed to squeak out. “It’s okay. You’re safe.”

Severus finally seemed to notice you sitting there at the edge of the couch. His gaze swept over you and you watched as he frowned, as if he was trying to remember where he was.

“You’re in my home,” you continued. “You… I heard you screaming. You were having a nightmare.”

His eyes widened, and before you could stop him, he reached up to touch his bandages in the exact spot where Nagini had attacked. Panic filled his eyes for a brief moment, then confusion. You reached forward and grabbed his wrist tightly, gently easing his hand back down to his lap.

“God…” Severus muttered, passing his free hand over his face. “I’m sorry. I…”

A muffled sob escaped him as he kept his hand pressed over his eyes. Without thinking twice, you leaned forward and drew him into you. You held him tightly, despite the pain that shot through your hand as you did so.

“You’re safe now,” you whispered. “Nothing can hurt you now. You’re awake. You’re safe.”

You felt your heart crack as Severus rested his forehead against your shoulder.

“I-I’m here.” You said slowly. You reached up to caress his hair softly, feeling tears of your own fill your eyes as Severus sobbed, clutching you desperately as if you’d disappear.

You never thought you’d see the stoic and unshakable man you’d worked with for so many years fall apart in your arms this way.

Then again, you never imagined any of this would ever happen.

After that night, the two of you agreed to sleep in the same room together. And then, when that still wasn’t enough, in the same bed. It seemed to be the only way that both of you could fall asleep and leave behind the lingering memories and fear of the war.

There’s a praying mantis, prancing on your bathtub.

And you swear he’s a priest from a past life, come to get you.

The second time the war came back to haunt your home, it came after you.

You were in the kitchen drying dishes. A storm raged outside, but it didn’t bother you. You had grown to like the sound of thunder over the years you spent teaching at Hogwarts.

The day had been calm. Severus spent the morning sitting with you at your small wooden dining table and, for the first time in god knew how long, the two of you had actually laughed together over breakfast.

As you reached for a teacup to dry and put away, you heard a slight shuffle as Severus walked over to your bookshelf. You could just barely see him from the doorway as he peered at all the books you had crammed onto the shelf.

“You’ve finished Pride and Prejudice already?” You called out with a smile.

“Yes.” He replied matter-of-factly from the other room. “You’d better have more Austen on your shelf or I’m coming for your head.”

You giggled as you set the teacup back in the cabinet and reached for the second one.

“I still can’t believe you’ve never read her work before. Sense and Sensibility is on the bottom shelf, right side.”

“There is a god.” You laughed at Severus’ response. “Thank you.”

Before you could call out a reply, there was a flash outside your window.

That’s when time stopped.

You were no longer in your kitchen, but back there. In the courtyard of Hogwarts, running to catch up to Harry and his two friends as you raced against time to get to the Shrieking Shack. You looked to your right just as a bright flash of red shot your way. Then a fire in your hand.

“Y/N!”

The burning feeling in your right hand. It was all you could think about. The flash you saw. They were back. Coming for you. Ending it for good this time-

“Y/N, look at me.”

You heard someone crying. Was it Hermione? You were supposed to protect them, Harry and his friends. Did you fail?

“Y/N, come on!

Firm hands grasped either side of your face, snapping you back into reality. Severus stared at you with a strange combination of fright and determination.

“They’re back,” you gasped, wincing as Severus dug his fingertips into your shoulders tighter than you expected, an attempt to bring you out of your memories. “I-”

“It was lightning,” Severus replied quietly, resting one hand over your trembling one. You whimpered as you remembered the pain that shot through it that night the moment the curse hit you. “No one is outside. It was lighting, Y/N. It was the storm.”

You squeezed your eyes shut, but that only made the memories come back stronger. You opened your eyes again, your gaze landing on the shattered teacup that lay inches away from where you sat.

Severus guided your chin up until your eyes met his again.

“Stay like this,” he commanded softly. “Eyes on me. Breathe.”

He took a deep breath, and motioned for you to follow. You couldn’t stop shaking.

“It’s still there,” you whispered in defeat. “I can’t get it out of my head.”

Severus nodded his understanding as he caressed your cheek comfortingly. His features creased into a worried frown as he watched you try to catch your breath.

“Look at me, Y/N. Eyes on me, not the floor.”

You had to fight to tear your eyes away from the teacup. Severus smiled softly as your eyes met his once more.

“Good. Stay with me. You’re safe.”

I try my best…

…to prove that nothing’s out to get you.

The days turned to weeks, and then into months. Before you knew it, it had been a year since Severus had moved in with you.

You never believed people who said everything would heal with time, and a part of you still didn’t, but there were small things that had you thinking… perhaps there was an element of truth to that saying.

You saw it from time to time - moments of healing. It was in the way Severus placed a warm hand on your back as he passed behind you in your narrow kitchen. In the shared glances and gentle smiles the two of you exchanged over dinner. In the embraces you two gave each other before bed, which, as the months went on, turned into passionate kisses in the middle of the night.

Perhaps the fact that you and Severus had become lovers over the last few months contributed to why time felt increasingly gentle as it passed. Sure, there were still moments when you’d both be pulled right back into the war, but it happened less frequently. The painful, sharp edges of those memories had finally begun to dull.

You stood in the kitchen, slowly slicing strawberries as you watched the first few rays of sunrise begin to filter through the window. As you placed the slices into a bowl and reached for another berry, you felt a pair of arms gently circle around your waist.

“It’s not like you to be up early,” Severus grumbled as he kissed the shell of your ear. “Come back. Your side of the bed is too cold.”

“You weren’t supposed to be awake yet,” you replied with a laugh, turning your head just enough to kiss his nose. “I was planning on surprising you with breakfast in bed.”

“Mmm.” Severus began kissing your neck softly. “Sounds nice. I’d much rather have you in bed, though.”

You laughed and swatted at his arm as you resumed slicing strawberries.

Severus watched your motions in silence for a few moments, before his hand trailed back up your waist, across your arm, until his fingers rested over your right hand. You set your knife down and watched as Severus laced his fingers through your trembling ones.

“Does it hurt?” He asked quietly, stroking your thumb softly with his own. You shook your head.

“Not nearly as much as before. Sometimes I’ll still wake up in the night if I’m not careful and sleep on it funny… but it’s okay.”

“You should tell me when it hurts,” Severus murmured, leaning his head against yours. “I’ve been testing ingredients for various pain tonics, I think I might be close to finding a cure for your hand.”

You smiled at his statement. “It’s okay, really. The healers at St. Mungo’s said there’s nothing they can do. It’s permanent nerve damage.”

“Not if I can help it. There’s a cure for it until I know for certain I’ve tried everything I can.” Severus grumbled, his grip on your waist tightening. “Everyone at St. Mungo’s is a dunderhead. They discharged me when they knew I was no longer on the brink of death.”

You turned around, frowning at Severus disapprovingly. He sighed, brushing a strand of hair out of your face before kissing your forehead gently.

“Sorry. But you know it’s true. You did more to help me heal than they ever did.”

You nodded slowly, reaching your trembling fingers up to the scar on his neck. Your fingers hovered a few inches away, hesitant to touch the wound that had nearly claimed his life.

“It’s alright,” Severus reassured you. Your worried gaze met his warm, dark eyes. “It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

He placed his hand over your own, and the firm pressure of the palm of his hand against the back of your own stilled the trembling for a few moments. He slowly pushed your hand forward until it rested gently against his scar.

“It really doesn’t hurt?” You asked doubtfully.

“Sometimes,” Severus began softly, a memory tugging his gaze far away from you for a moment. “It feels strange. As if I’m remembering the pain but not experiencing it. It’s dull. Far away. But it’s nothing compared to the pain I felt when I first came home with you.”

You looked up and met Severus’s gaze, and you gave him a tiny smile.

“Thanks for coming home with me.” You whispered. That earned a frown from him.

“You say that as if I did you a favour.” He replied.

“You did, in a way. I don’t think I’d have been able to survive all this without you.”

In response, Severus leaned in and kissed you. It was soft at first, barely there, until you reached up and pulled him closer to you. His grip tightened on your waist and you nearly melted as the kiss grew more and more passionate. You reached your hands up to caress his face, but then broke away, cursing silently as your hand began trembling more than usual.

“Sorry,” you whispered. “It’s hard to control sometimes.”

Severus shook his head and kissed your palm, before leaning in to kiss you once more.

“You’re alright.”

You nodded. This time, you believed him.

“I know. You are too.”

Severus gazed at you understandingly. He kissed your forehead, letting his lips linger there for a few extra moments, before pulling you into a protective embrace.

“We both are.”

[starlight-sev]

Snape with an artist reader- she makes gorgeous paintings, teaches an art class at Hogwarts (Bob Ross style, for reference). Doesn't have many students, but when he comes into her classroom its such a calming atmosphere. Maybe a short drabble about how he falls in love with her and her skill with paintings?

Hi anon!

Thank you so much for your request, and I’m so sorry it took a gazillion years for me to get to this.

I’ve been slowly clawing my way out of burnout, so thank you for being patient with me. It was honestly so nice to have your request be one of the first things I’ve written in a while. ❤️

Here’s the link to the fic if you’d like to read it! Thank you again for requesting, I promise it won’t take nearly as long from now on for me to write for you all 💕