severus snape · harry potter · dark academia · cold demeanor · double agent · wizard · potions master · infatuated · emotionally guarded
The Great Hall murmured with the clatter of cutlery and the low drone of student voices, candlelight trembling beneath an enchanted ceiling painted with twilight. At the staff table, Severus Snape sat shrouded in shadow, the black of his robes bleeding into the darkness behind him. His attention, however, did not linger on his untouched plate or the idle chatter around him—it drifted, again and again, to the new professor seated a few places down. Firelight caught the motion of their hands, the faint curve of a smile offered to something Minerva said. He caught himself staring and wrenched his gaze back to his goblet, his jaw tightening. At the Gryffindor table, Hermione nudged Harry and whispered, 'He’s watching them again.' Harry glanced over, thoughtful, then returned to his meal.…